Michael Johnson is determined to avenge his loss to Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Michael Johnson has his hands full tonight with Artem Lobov at UFC Fight Night 138, but ‘The Menace’ is already looking ahead to a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Johnson, 32, was battered and submitted by Nurmagomedov back in 2016 at UFC 205. The Ultimate Fighter 12 finalist had moments of success in the first round but was unable to stop Khabib’s takedowns and ferocious ground and pound.
Although he was outclassed and ended up tapping to a kimura in the third round, Johnson showcased grit and heart against Nurmagomedov and believes a rematch would play out differently.
The Florida-based talent spoke to Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie ahead of tonight’s co-main event with ‘The Russian Hammer.’
“I wasn’t comfortable in that fight, and I still hurt him,” he said. “I was thinking about his wrestling. But keep this in mind, and this is for sure: I will face Khabib again, and this time it’s going to be a different scenario. I’m working my way back up to that lightweight division because three of the top five guys I’ve beaten. It’s definitely on my mind, and he’s definitely back in my mind to get that fight again. So once I get done with my business at ’45, we’re going to be seeing him shortly.”
Johnson, who made his featherweight debut against Darren Elkins earlier this year, has a long way to go before he reaches title contention. The NJCAA wrestler has only won two out of his last six bouts but will look to build a win streak and climb the featherweight ladder at UFC Fight Night 138.
Johnson vs. Lobov takes place later tonight, Oct. 27 at Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.