Michael Johnson
The Menace
USA
Pulls upset of Daniel Zellhuber
Johnson defeated Daniel Zellhuber via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 318 on Saturday in New Orleans.
ANALYSIS
Few gave Johnson a chance in this fight, as evidenced by the fact Zellhuber was a -700 favorite, largest on the entire card. Yet, MJ did what he always does. He went about his business, pushed forward and got the better of his much younger opponent in what was a 15-minute kickboxing match. A Round 2 Johnson knockdown was by far the biggest blow of the night. He did an excellent job of not absorbing much damage in any stanza, even the final round which was the one Zellhuber won on all three scorecards. Johnson lost four in a row from March 2019 to February 2021. The UFC stuck with him, and he has responded with wins in five of seven since. MJ isn't any sort of contender in a loaded lightweight division, but his roster spot seems as secure as ever at age 39, a major accomplishment in it's own right.
Few gave Johnson a chance in this fight, as evidenced by the fact Zellhuber was a -700 favorite, largest on the entire card. Yet, MJ did what he always does. He went about his business, pushed forward and got the better of his much younger opponent in what was a 15-minute kickboxing match. A Round 2 Johnson knockdown was by far the biggest blow of the night. He did an excellent job of not absorbing much damage in any stanza, even the final round which was the one Zellhuber won on all three scorecards. Johnson lost four in a row from March 2019 to February 2021. The UFC stuck with him, and he has responded with wins in five of seven since. MJ isn't any sort of contender in a loaded lightweight division, but his roster spot seems as secure as ever at age 39, a major accomplishment in it's own right.
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Draws Zellhuber in July
Johnson will take on Daniel Zellhuber in a lightweight matchup at UFC 318 on July 19, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson has won back-to-back fights, most recently finishing Ottman Azaitar in December and earning a POTN bonus in the process. He now draws Zellhuber, a highly-regarded prospect that narrowly lost a split decision last September that snapped a three-fight winning streak. Johnson will give up height and reach advantages to Zellhuber, who is known for his high-volume striking. Johnson's experienced is unparalleled, but he'll have to deal with an opponent who is 13 years younger.
Johnson has won back-to-back fights, most recently finishing Ottman Azaitar in December and earning a POTN bonus in the process. He now draws Zellhuber, a highly-regarded prospect that narrowly lost a split decision last September that snapped a three-fight winning streak. Johnson will give up height and reach advantages to Zellhuber, who is known for his high-volume striking. Johnson's experienced is unparalleled, but he'll have to deal with an opponent who is 13 years younger.
Vintage performance in win
Johnson defeated Ottman Azaitar via KO (punches) at 2:03 of Round 2 at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Tampa, Florida.
ANALYSIS
This was the 10th knockout win of Johnson's long pro career, but just his second since September 2016. MJ has primarily become a decision fighter of late, so it was nice to see he still has massive one-punch knockout power in his bag of tricks. One huge right hook was all it took to put Azaitar away in an instant, and it would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The UFC stuck with Johnson despite the fact he lost four in a row from March 2019 to February 2021. He's won four of six since, which may not see like much, but should ensure the 38-year-old has a spot on the UFC roster for the foreseeable future.
This was the 10th knockout win of Johnson's long pro career, but just his second since September 2016. MJ has primarily become a decision fighter of late, so it was nice to see he still has massive one-punch knockout power in his bag of tricks. One huge right hook was all it took to put Azaitar away in an instant, and it would go on to earn him a $50,000 Performance of the Night bonus. The UFC stuck with Johnson despite the fact he lost four in a row from March 2019 to February 2021. He's won four of six since, which may not see like much, but should ensure the 38-year-old has a spot on the UFC roster for the foreseeable future.
2024 fight scheduled
Johnson (undisclosed) is scheduled to compete against Ottman Azaitar in a lightweight fight at UFC Tampa on Dec. 14, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Johnson began his 2024 by defeating Darrius Flowers via unanimous decision. He was scheduled to compete against Matt Frevola on May 11 but withdrew from that date's UFC event with an undisclosed injury. However, Johnson will get the chance to finish his 2024 with a 2-0 record. He takes on Azaitar, whose second chance with the promotion has resulted in multiple knockout losses, no wins and availability problems.
Johnson began his 2024 by defeating Darrius Flowers via unanimous decision. He was scheduled to compete against Matt Frevola on May 11 but withdrew from that date's UFC event with an undisclosed injury. However, Johnson will get the chance to finish his 2024 with a 2-0 record. He takes on Azaitar, whose second chance with the promotion has resulted in multiple knockout losses, no wins and availability problems.
Out for May 11 event
Johnson will not fight Matt Frevola at the UFC's May 11 event because of an undisclosed injury, according to Frevola's X account.
ANALYSIS
As Frevola states, Johnson got hurt, resulting in the cancellation of what was expected to be his next fight. It is unclear when Johnson will return or if he can compete again in 2024.
As Frevola states, Johnson got hurt, resulting in the cancellation of what was expected to be his next fight. It is unclear when Johnson will return or if he can compete again in 2024.
To face Frevola
Johnson is will fight Matt Frevola at a UFC event on May 11, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson just defeated Darius Flowers via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night earlier in the month, so this bout will be a quick turnaround for the veteran. He will look to get back to .500 with the company in his next bout, as he currently sits at 14-15. His opponent, Frevola, just had a three-fight winning streak snapped and currently sits at 5-4-1.
Johnson just defeated Darius Flowers via unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night earlier in the month, so this bout will be a quick turnaround for the veteran. He will look to get back to .500 with the company in his next bout, as he currently sits at 14-15. His opponent, Frevola, just had a three-fight winning streak snapped and currently sits at 5-4-1.