Michael Johnson - News & Rumors - UFC

Gaethje upsets Pimblett to win interim lightweight title at UFC 324

Justin Gaethje defeated Paddy Pimblett by unanimous decision to win the interim lightweight title at UFC 324

JANUARY 25 • Associated Press

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.

Impact 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.

JANUARY 24 • ROTOWIRE

ichael Johnson vs Alex Hernandez Off UFC 324 - Fightful | WWE News, AEW News, Pro Wrestling Backstage News Hours before UFC 324 the promotion announced Michael Johnson vs Alex Hernandez has been canceled.

JANUARY 24 • FIGHTFUL.COM

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.

Impact 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.

DECEMBER 14, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Max Holloway retains UFC BMF title, spoils Dustin Poirier's retirement fight

Max Holloway said he wanted to play spoiler and he did it Saturday night in the main event

JULY 20, 2025 • Associated Press

UFC 318: Michael Johnson post-fight interview UFC 318 winner Michael Johnson spoke to MMA Junkie and reporters post-fight after his unanimous decision victory over Daniel Zellhuber in Ne...

JULY 20, 2025 • USATODAY.COM

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.

Impact 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.

JULY 20, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 2, 2025 • ROTOWIRE

Michael Johnson says he's still keeping alive his dream to be a UFC champion Michael Johnson said he’ll beat whoever he has to beat to climb his way toward UFC lightweight title contention.

FEBRUARY 12, 2024 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Darrius Flowers thought he and opponent Michael Johnson were cool, and then: 'It's, 'F*ck you' now' Darrius Flowers’ UFC debut was nothing like how he wanted it to be. Now he has some redemption on the mind – and some other drama, too.

FEBRUARY 8, 2024 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

UFC Fight Night 224 winner Diego Ferreira happy to prove he's 'not just a jiu-jitsu fighter' with KO of Michael Johnson Diego Ferreira got to show he’s more than just a threat on the ground at UFC Fight Night 224.

MAY 23, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

UFC Fight Night 224 video: Diego Ferreira knocks Michael Johnson out cold Diego Ferreira showed off serious power in a devastating knockout of Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 224 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

MAY 20, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

MAY 20, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Diego Ferreira explains 17-month layoff ahead of UFC Fight Night 224 return vs. Michael Johnson It’s been a long time away for Diego Ferriera, but he’s ready to resume swimming with the sharks in the UFC’s lightweight division.

MAY 19, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Michael Johnson motivated and 'thirsty for a world title' ahead of UFC Fight Night 224 UFC Fight Night 224’s Michael Johnson is motivated by “seeing guys that I know I’m better than getting paid.”

MAY 18, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Diego Ferreira returns vs. Michael Johnson at UFC event on May 20 Lightweight veterans Diego Ferreira and Michael Johnson will meet in May.

APRIL 5, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Diego Ferreira returns vs. Michael Johnson at UFC event on May 20 Lightweight veterans Diego Ferreira and Michael Johnson will meet in May.

APRIL 5, 2023 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

Michael Johnson calls out Tony Ferguson for rematch: 'A chance to redeem yourself' Michael Johnson wants to give Tony Ferguson an opportunity to avenge the first loss of his UFC career.

JANUARY 13, 2023 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Michael Johnson confused by Marc Diakiese's reaction to decision loss: 'You didn't get robbed, trust me' Michael Johnson was surprised to see Marc Diakiese surprised at his split decision loss at UFC on ESPN 42 in Orlando, Fla.

DECEMBER 6, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

UFC adds Marc Diakiese vs. Michael Johnson to Dec. 3 lineup Lightweights Marc Diakiese and Michael Johnson will throw down in December.

AUGUST 24, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Michael Johnson disagrees with scoring in split decision loss to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC on ESPN 39 Michael Johnson thought he did enough to get his hand raised on Saturday.

JULY 10, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

Michael Johnson disagrees with scoring in split decision loss to Jamie Mullarkey at UFC on ESPN 39 Michael Johnson thought he did enough to get his hand raised on Saturday.

JULY 10, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

UFC on ESPN 39 bonuses: Jamie Mullarkey vs. Michael Johnson a no-doubt FOTN Check out who from UFC on ESPN 39 took home a bonus for their performance in Las Vegas.

JULY 10, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

UFC on ESPN 39 results: Jamie Mullarkey rallies to outslug Michael Johnson for split call Jamie Mullarkey and Michael Johnson went toe-to-toe for three rounds in a thriller at UFC on ESPN 39.

JULY 10, 2022 • STAR-TELEGRAM.COM

UFC on ESPN 39 results: Jamie Mullarkey rallies to outslug Michael Johnson for split call Jamie Mullarkey and Michael Johnson went toe-to-toe for three rounds in a thriller at UFC on ESPN 39.

JULY 10, 2022 • NEWSOBSERVER.COM

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Gaethje upsets Pimblett to win interim lightweight title at UFC 324

Max Holloway retains UFC BMF title, spoils Dustin Poirier's retirement fight