Michael Johnson

The Menace

USA

Vintage performance in win
LightweightUFC
December 15, 2024
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. 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.
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2024 fight scheduled
LightweightUFC
October 30, 2024
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.
Out for May 11 event
LightweightUFC
April 16, 2024
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.
To face Frevola
LightweightUFC
February 24, 2024
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.
Rare easy victory
LightweightUFC
February 10, 2024
Johnson defeated Darrius Flowers via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Johnson has been trending in the wrong direction for several years, but this was one of his best performances in recent memory. Yes, it came against an opponent in Flowers who is still searching for his first UFC win, but Johnson not only looked good from a physical standpoint, he fought smart. MJ fired off plenty of volume on the feet and connected on 4-of-8 takedown attempts, good for 6:02 worth of control time. He saw a hole in his opponent's game exploited it. Johnson will be 38 years of age in June and is sporting a woeful 3-7 record in his last 10 fights, even with this victory. The UFC needs to continue to be careful regarding who it matches him up against moving forward.
Set to fight Flowers
LightweightUFC
November 17, 2023
Johnson will fight Darrius Flowers at a UFC event scheduled for Feb. 10, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
The 37-year-old Johnson has been in an extended slump, losing six of his last eight fights dating back to 2019. His opponent is still searching for his first win in the UFC, but another loss from Johnson in February could spark serious concern about his ability going forward.