Michael Johnson’s latest age has crushed younger, light-weight up-and-coming Daniel Zelhoover at UFC 318. There will likely be 30 matches within the promotion to begin Johnson. This alone makes him within the air of uncommon air, and fewer than 1% (0.4%) of all UFC-signed fighters fought over 30 within the octagon. To place this in perspective, 1.5-2% of all fighters who signed UFC contacts will develop into world champions.
(Celebrating the battle after Michael Johnson’s signature)
- The third most vital strike has landed within the UFC light-weight historical past. (1,308)
- The third battle within the UFC light-weight division. (27)
- Fourth battle time in UFC light-weight historical past (5:08:27)
- It was tied fifth amongst most KOs/TKOs in UFC light-weight historical past (5)
- The eighth Whole Strike to land in UFC Light-weight Historical past (1,401)
- fifth tied for many resolution wins in UFC light-weight historical past (5)
- It was tied to primary in most knockdowns within the historical past of UFC light-weight (13)
The power of the schedule
Presently Michael Johnson’s report within the UFC with 25 wins and 19 losses. Most individuals see double digit losses and assume they scale back the worth of fighter jets, however the numbers do not inform the right story.
Have a look at the opposing talents Johnson faces, particularly in succession. Between 2013 and 2017, he performed within the UFC 9 occasions. That four-year stretch was in 9 battles in opposition to elite opponents, combining information of 186-46 on the time.
Throughout that run, Johnson knocked out Dustin Poirier within the first spherical. The fighter then goes on a six-match unbeaten successful streak earlier than working out of belts with Khabib. His match with Justin Gesche was a loss, however earlier than and after. This 12 months’s battle candidate. Johnson additionally determined to have Tony Ferguson. This was Ferguson’s last defeat earlier than his legendary 12-match successful streak.
Some argue that essentially the most troublesome Habib ever shot got here from the mixture of lightning hooks that Michael Johnson landed through the battle at UFC 205.
Do not name it a comeback
Michael Johnson deserves his flower now. On the finish of the dying breed, he performed his first skilled battle in 2008 and has by no means backed down since. He’ll battle each nook anytime, wherever. At all times thrilling and all the time put it on the road.
Johnson overcame a four-game successful streak between 2019 and 2021, together with a knockout loss to Josh Emmett. Like Phoenix, he’s rising from the ashes of these defeats, successful 5 of his final seven matches. Consists of knockout victory over a promising fighter jet.
The veteran southpaw will use all of the Arsenal instruments to breathe new life into the second half of his profession. I’ll by no means miss one battle.
