Athletes
Michael Johnson: 30 Fights And Counting
Lightweight Michael Johnson Takes On Ottman Azaitar At UFC Tampa In What Will Be His 30th Appearance Inside The Octagon
Longevity in MMA is a rare achievement for many. Michael Johnson, on the other hand, is defying the odds. “The Menace” is back for the second time this year and it will be his 30th walk to the Octagon, which puts him on a list of only 17 others in the history of the promotion.
On Saturday, he faces Ottman Azaitar, who is 2-2 since joining the UFC in 2019, and 13-2 overall. Johnson has nothing but respect when it comes to his 30th UFC opponent.
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“Ottman is a good fighter. He definitely has a lot of power in his hands. I’ve seen his skillset, he’s got a great record and he comes from a great camp.”
Johnson steps into the matchup coming off a victory against Darrius Flowers earlier this year. His hand speed, body attacks, and timely takedowns throughout the fight led to a unanimous decision victory and his 14th UFC win.
Michael Johnson Stuns Alan Patrick In Round 2 | UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs Rakic
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Michael Johnson Stuns Alan Patrick In Round 2 | UFC Fight Night: Blachowicz vs Rakic
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It was a performance that Johnson was proud of.
“I took away a lot of positive things. I really want to implement my wrestling again, which is something I’ve gotten away from in a lot of my MMA fights.”
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“I’ve been really trying to tune it in on solidifying wins, getting great positions and looking for finishes,” Johnson said to UFC.com.
Ahead of his next challenge with Azaitar, “The Menace’s” vibes are high, despite having a rough 2024 following his victory in February.
“This year has been a little rough for your boy, I ain’t gonna lie,” Johnson explained. “I had my fight in February, then I turned around and was going to fight again in St Louis and had the shoulder injury. I had to get shoulder surgery back in March so, I’m just really thankful and blessed to be able to compete at the end of the year.”
Johnson’s passion for the sport has clearly never left. And with wins over Dustin Poirier, Edson Barboza, and Tony Ferguson, he’s proven he can do more than just compete with the elites of the lightweight division.
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While facing shoulder surgery and its aftermath, Johnson revealed to UFC.com how he was able to get through the difficult moments.
“It’s been a lot of grinding, a lot of down time, a lot of self-reflection, but I made it a point to stay myself and stay true and just ride it out until we get up again.”
Unlike many of his contemporaries, Johnson works outside of the Octagon, as well. During his time off, Johnson focused a little bit on his real estate career and shared what it’s like balancing both lives.
“I sold my friend’s house over the summer, which was a great experience, but you know I’m always looking for new clients. Just trying to stay busy. Juggling the gym time and then back in the office and working on leads and trying to get as many calls as possible. There’s so much high competition in both of these worlds, especially in south Florida, so I’m trying to find my niche right now.”
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When it comes to the fight game, Johnson’s confidence is always there, but there’s a different energy this week from the veteran. He brings a sense of real urgency to UFC Tampa.
“If I do everything I do and execute my gameplan perfectly, I go in and I get a finish. That’s what we’re going to do. Like I said, I have to be close to perfect. I have to win, I can’t afford a loss.”
UFC Fight Night: Covington vs Buckley took place live from Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida on December 14, 2024. See the final Prelim & Main Card Results, Official Scorecards and Who Won Bonuses - and relive the action on UFC FIGHT PASS!