Michael Johnson
The Menace
USA
Out
Injury Not Injury Related
Est. Return 1/31/2026
Fight with Hernandez called off
Johnson will not fight Alexander Hernandez at UFC 324 on Saturday after the bout was canceled for unspecified reasons, Nolan King of MMAJunkie.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The cancellation follows betting line movement on Friday that saw Hernandez plummet from a (-140) favorite to a (+110) underdog. There has been no word of injuries to either fighter, leaving it unclear whether the fight will attempt to be rebooked. Johnson was looking for his fourth straight victory after defeating Daniel Zellhuber by decision in July.
The cancellation follows betting line movement on Friday that saw Hernandez plummet from a (-140) favorite to a (+110) underdog. There has been no word of injuries to either fighter, leaving it unclear whether the fight will attempt to be rebooked. Johnson was looking for his fourth straight victory after defeating Daniel Zellhuber by decision in July.
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Draws Hernandez in January
Johnson will take on Alexander Hernandez in a lightweight matchup at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Johnson has won three fights in a row and will now get a step up in opponent against Hernandez, who is riding a four-fight winning streak of his own with back-to-back finishes. While Johnson has a one-inch edge in both height and reach, Hernandez sports the slight advantage in striking volume and offers a more significant wrestling threat.
Johnson has won three fights in a row and will now get a step up in opponent against Hernandez, who is riding a four-fight winning streak of his own with back-to-back finishes. While Johnson has a one-inch edge in both height and reach, Hernandez sports the slight advantage in striking volume and offers a more significant wrestling threat.
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.
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.