Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight veteran Michael Johnson returns to action this weekend (Sat., Dec. 14, 2024) in the ‘Prelims’ headliner of UFC Tampa against Ottman Azaitar, which goes down inside Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida.
During UFC Tampa media day, Johnson was asked by UFC News about his upcoming opponent. While he praised the Moroccan fighter, he questioned why he is fighting.
“Ottman is a good fighter. You know, he’s definitely got a lot of power in his hands,” Johnson said. “I’ve seen his skillset, and he’s got a great record. He comes from a great camp over there. But I’m just a little confused about why this guy fights. Isn’t he some Moroccan Prince or some shit?
“Excuse my language, but I’m just a little confused by that. He seems like royalty and seems like he has no financial problems whatsoever, and that’s what a majority of us are in the sport to do,” Johnson concluded. “We don’t come from riches. I might be confusing that; sorry if I am. He seems like a guy that comes from a good well-being.”
“I have to be close to perfect.”
Michael Johnson (@Menace155) wants to prove to himself that he can get back to the top of the lightweight division. #UFCTampa
Fight by Fight Preview ??: https://t.co/uFNcnsSgjk
— UFC News (@UFCNews) December 12, 2024
While Azaitar is not a prince, he has a close relationship with Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and “has an official role within the Moroccan government,” according to journalist Karim Zidan.
The Moroccan fighter was released from UFC for a month after breaking COVID-19 safety protocols while on “Fight Island” in 2020 but eventually returned to the promotion.
Nevertheless, Johnson plans to give Azaitar his third straight loss and send him packing from UFC for good.
“If I do everything I do and execute my gameplan perfectly, I go in there and get a finish,” Johnson said. “That’s what I’m going in there to do. I have to be close to perfect…I have to win out; I cannot afford a loss or blemish in the stage of my career.”
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To check out the latest and greatest UFC Tampa news and notes be sure to hit up our comprehensive event archives here and here. For the updated and finalized “Covington vs. Buckley” fight card and ESPN2/ESPN+ line up click here.