Michael Johnson

Fighter Facts

• Team GSP member on TUF12
   
• Nine wins by knockout, two by submission (kimura, undisclosed choke)
   
• Fifth fight back at lightweight after 2-2 run at featherweight
   
• Former football player at Central Methodist University
   
• Fought first amateur fight after only three months of training
   
• Pro since 2008
   
• Fought UFC vet Joe Brammer in 2009 (lost via fourth round submission)
   
• Has won eight of his last 18
   
• Eight first round finishes

UFC History 
UFC Fight Night (7/9/22) Johnson lost a three round split decision to Jamie Mullarkey 
UFC on ESPN (5/14/22) Johnson knocked out Alan Patrick at 3:22 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (2/6/21) Johnson lost a three round unanimous decision to Clay Guida
UFC Fight Night (5/13/20) Johnson was submitted by Thiago Moises via Achilles lock at :25 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (10/26/19) Johnson lost a three round majority decision to Stevie Ray
UFC on ESPN (3/30/19) Johnson was knocked out by Josh Emmett at 4:14 of the third round
UFC Fight Night (10/27/18) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Artem Lobov
UFC Fight Night (8/25/18) Johnson won a three round split decision over Andre Fili
UFC Fight Night (1/14/18) Johnson was submitted by Darren Elkins via rear naked choke at 2:22 of the second round
TUF 25 Finale (7/7/17) Johnson was stopped by Justin Gaethje via strikes at 4:48 of the second round
UFC 205 (11/12/16) Johnson was submitted by Khabib Nurmagomedov via kimura at 2:31 of the third round
UFC Fight Night (9/17/16) Johnson knocked out Dustin Poirier at 1:35 of the first round
UFC on FOX (12/19/15) Johnson lost a three round unanimous decision to Nate Diaz
UFC Fight Night (8/8/15) Johnson lost a three round split decision to Beneil Dariush
UFC Fight Night (2/22/15) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Edson Barboza
UFC Fight Night (3/8/14) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Melvin Guillard
UFC 168 (12/28/13) Johnson knocked out Gleison Tibau at 1:32 of the second round
UFC Fight Night (8/17/13) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Joe Lauzon
UFC on FUEL TV (4/6/13) Johnson was submitted by Reza Madadi via d’arce choke at 1:33 of the third round
UFC 155 (12/19/12) Johnson lost a three round unanimous decision to Myles Jury
UFC on FX (10/5/12) Johnson knocked out Danny Castillo at 1:06 of the second round
UFC on FOX (5/5/12) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Tony Ferguson
UFC on FOX (1/28/12) Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Shane Roller
UFC Live (10/1/11) Johnson was submitted by Paul Sass via heel hook at 3:00 of the first round
UFC Live (6/26/11) Johnson stopped Edward Faaloloto via strikes at 4:42 of the first round
TUF 12 Finale (12/4/10) Johnson lost a three round unanimous decision to Jonathan Brookins in the TUF12 finals.

TUF 12
In the semifinals, Johnson won a three round split decision over Nam Phan.
In the quarterfinals, Johnson won a three round unanimous decision over Alex Caceres
On episode three, Johnson submitted Aaron Wilkinson via rear naked choke at :38 of the third round
On episode one, Johnson decisioned Pablo Garza over two rounds

Q&A
When and why did you start training for fighting? I started in 2007. I was done with football and wrestling in college and needed the competition. I felt like I would be very successful in the sport and loved it.
What ranks and titles have you held? TUF 12 finalist, XCF ammy title at 155, MID mo ammy title at 155. XCF pro title at 155
Do you have any heroes? The biggest hero in my life right now is my mother
What does it mean for you to fight in the UFC? It means the world to me. It’s always been my goal ever since I started and I’m not letting it go to waste. On the other hand, if I can’t entertain the fans and live up to my ability, it wouldn't mean anything.
Did you go to college and if so what degree did you earn? Yes. A couple of colleges, no degrees yet, but I plan on finishing and earning my degrees.
What was your job before you started fighting? I was a full-time student and worked full time as a server; somehow I managed to do both while fighting full time as well.
Specific accomplishments in amateur competition? 5-0 with two titles
Favorite grappling technique: Double and single legs. I also love the triangle.
Favorite Striking technique: Everything - knees, punches, kicks, and elbows.