Ahead of his featherweight debut, Michael Johnson talks candidly about his experiences during his weight cuts.
UFC contender Michael Johnson has fought at lightweight his entire professional career. This weekend, however, he will be making his debut at 145-pounds against the streaking Darren Elkins.
In an interview with ESPN, Johnson says he has no problems making weight, but at the same time admits that the thought of shedding those extra pounds to make the limit haunts him every night.
”I have nightmares about it every night. You have no idea,” Johnson said. “My first fight at 155 [pounds], I got stuck trying to lose the last three pounds. I couldn’t get them off.
“That’s what I keep having flashbacks of when thinking about getting down to 145. What if I get stuck?”
The last time Johnson weighed in close to 145-pounds was during his high school wrestling years. These days, he is working with nutritionist George Lockhart for his featherweight run, where he intends to climb up the ladder in the shortest amount of time possible.
”I’ve spent my time, paid my dues in the lightweight division,” he said. “I’m not looking to work my way up [slowly]. I want to come in here and beat [Elkins] who is on a nice win streak, make a statement, and then get in there on a No. 1 contender fight.”
Johnson and Elkins will close up UFC Fight Night 124’s preliminary card on January 14 in St. Louis, Missouri.