Tag: Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson Wants Zabit Fight At UFC 232

UFC featherweight and lightweight competitor Michael Johnson is interested in fighting Zabit Magomedsharipov at UFC 232.

The post Michael Johnson Wants Zabit Fight At UFC 232 appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Michael Johnson is looking for a big fight at featherweight.

The former longtime lightweight recently dropped down to 145 pounds. He suffered a submission loss to Darren Elkins this past January in his divisional debut. However, he has since won back-to-back fights at 145 pounds. His latest win was against Artem Lobov at UFC Moncton.

Johnson took the fight on short notice, and unfortunately missed weight as a result. As thanks for taking the fight on late notice, Lobov paid Johnson back the fine he was penalized for missing weight. “The Menace” recently joined MMA Junkie Radio to talk about his next possible move.

The possibility of a fight with rising featherweight prospect Zabit Magomedsharipov arose. Johnson said, while he’s not calling Zabit out, he’d be open to fighting the Russian on December 29th at UFC 232:

“If he wants to fight in December I’m all for that,” Johnson said. “He’s a very tough guy, he’s up and coming and it’d be a great fight as well. He’s ranked.

“None of those guys did call him out and I don’t think anybody really has called him out. I’m not necessarily going on air calling him out, but I’m saying that’s a fight I would take of course.”

Zabit has been extremely impressive since coming to the UFC. He hasn’t suffered a loss in mixed martial arts (MMA) competition since 2013. Upon signing with the UFC in 2017, Zabit has won all four of his Octagon appearances.

He has been able to finish all but one of his fights under the promotion’s banner. Each of Zabit’s finishes have come by way of submission. A match-up with a fighter the caliber of Johnson would certainly be a big test for the 27-year-old.

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Artem Lobov Paid Back Michael Johnson’s UFC Moncton Weigh-In Fine

“The Russian Hammer” kept his word by paying back Johnson the money he was fined for missing weight.

The post Artem Lobov Paid Back Michael Johnson’s UFC Moncton Weigh-In Fine appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Artem Lobov is a man of his word.

Initially, Lobov was scheduled to fight Khabib Nurmagomedov’s teammate Zubaira Tukhugov at UFC Moncton. However, Tukhugov was removed from the fight after his involvement in the post-UFC 229 melee.

Instead, Michael Johnson accepted the fight on three weeks’ notice. As a token of respect for Johnson accepting the fight on short notice, Lobov said that if Johnson missed weight for the featherweight contest, he’d pay back the fine Johnson would receive.

As it turns out, Johnson did end up missing weight for his fight with “The Russian Hammer.” He was fined 20 percent of his fight purse, which, by rule, Lobov couldn’t decline. Despite this, “The Menace” ended up winning the contest via unanimous decision.

Johnson was vocal about his doubts regarding whether or not Lobov would be a man of his word. It turns out, Lobov actually did pay Johnson back. Today (Thurs. November 8, 2018) Johnson took to Twitter to reveal that Lobov did, in fact, follow through on his word. Johnson said that Lobov had also earned his respect:

“In my book respect is always earned, never given. Hats off to for not only a tough fight our last outing, but also being a man of your word. Respect was earned, hands down.”

Lobov offered a friendly response:

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Michael Johnson: Artem Lobov Is A Man of His Word

In the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 138, Michael Johnson earned the unanimous decision over Artem Lobov to improve to 2-1 in the flyweight division. Prior to the bout, however, Michael Johnson missed weight by one pound, clocking in at 147, a pound…

In the co-main event of UFC Fight Night 138, Michael Johnson earned the unanimous decision over Artem Lobov to improve to 2-1 in the flyweight division. Prior to the bout, however, Michael Johnson missed weight by one pound, clocking in at 147, a pound north of the 146 featherweight limit. Despite the misstep, Artem Lobov […]

The post Michael Johnson: Artem Lobov Is A Man of His Word appeared first on MMA News.

Michael Johnson Hopes Artem Lobov Is A Man Of His Word Following UFC Moncton

Michael Johnson wonders if Artem Lobov will give him back 20 percent of his purse for missing weight ahead of UFC Moncton. Johnson did battle with Lobov last night (Oct. 27) inside the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. The featherweight …

Michael Johnson wonders if Artem Lobov will give him back 20 percent of his purse for missing weight ahead of UFC Moncton. Johnson did battle with Lobov last night (Oct. 27) inside the Avenir Centre in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada. The featherweight bout served as UFC Moncton’s co-main event. “The Menace” defeated Lobov via unanimous decision. Michael […]

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Michael Johnson Vows Khabib Rematch Would Be “Different”

Michael Johnson really wants a second crack at Khabib Nurmagomedov.

The post Michael Johnson Vows Khabib Rematch Would Be “Different” appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Michael Johnson believes he can beat UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Johnson fought “The Eagle” back in November of 2016 at UFC 205. Despite being able to temporarily rock the Russian, Khabib still dominated Johnson with his grappling. Eventually, Khabib picked up the victory via third-round submission. That was the first of a three-fight losing streak for Johnson.

“The Menace” picked up his first victory since September of 2016 in August when he defeated Andre Fili via split decision. Speaking to media during UFC Fight Night 138 media day, Johnson vowed to rematch the current 155-pound champion one day.

And when they do, it will be a very different scenario (via MMA Junkie):

“I wasn’t comfortable in that fight, and I still hurt him,” Johnson 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.”

Before he can think about a fight against Khabib, however, Johnson will have his hands full tomorrow (Sat., October 27, 2018).

He’ll face Artem Lobov in the co-main event of UFC Moncton in Canada.

The post Michael Johnson Vows Khabib Rematch Would Be “Different” appeared first on LowKickMMA.com.

Michael Johnson Confident He Will Fight Khabib Again

Michael Johnson believes he will get a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Johnson is set to take on Artem Lobov tomorrow night (Oct. 27). The bout will be the co-headliner for UFC Moncton. Johnson stepped up on short notice. He missed weight by just one…

Michael Johnson believes he will get a rematch with Khabib Nurmagomedov. Johnson is set to take on Artem Lobov tomorrow night (Oct. 27). The bout will be the co-headliner for UFC Moncton. Johnson stepped up on short notice. He missed weight by just one pound. Michael Johnson Eyeing Rematch With Khabib Nurmagomedov “The Menace” may […]

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