Michael Johnson has beaten some of the biggest names in the sport, and he hopes to earn his way back up to top-tier competition.
Johnson (19-15 MMA, 11-11 UFC) holds wins over the likes of Edson Barboza and former UFC interim lightweight champions Dustin Poirer and Tony Ferguson. He also has fought UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje and Nate Diaz.
He has been in there with the elite and is keen on working his way back up to compete against the division’s best.
Johnson faces Thiago Moises next Wednesday in what will be his third opponent switch during the COVID-19 madness. After his fight with Evan Dunham fell through for UFC on ESPN+ 31, Johnson was matched up with Khama Worthy at UFC 249. But after the cancellation of the April 18 card, he drew Moises.
Johnson, who’s lost two in a row, admitted he wasn’t too familiar with some of those names, but is motivated to climb his way back up to some higher-profile matchups.
“Unfortunately, I put myself in a position to where I’m having to fight these newer guys,” Johnson told MMA Junkie Radio. “It doesn’t really sit well for me, but I’m in the trenches and I’ve got to fight my way back up to the top and get back to these big names.
“I’m training to get that spot back. I want that fight back with Justin. I want to be back at the top. I want to get Khabib again before he gets out of here. It’s all or nothing for me these days, and I’m just trying to get back to that top.”
He takes on Dana White’s Contender Series alum Moises, who hasn’t been able to get his feet wet in the UFC just yet. He has gone 1-2 in his first three bouts.
So Johnson is going into the matchup with his back against the wall, hoping to make a statement on fight night and position himself one step closer to the upper echelon at 155 pounds.
“I’ve been in training camp, I can say, for like five months – and all I’ve been envisioning is just domination,” Johnson said. “Dominate, dominate, dominate. I’m not going in looking for knockouts. I’m not going in thinking too much. I just have to beat him in every aspect of the game and I’ve got a lot of pressure on me. I’m not in a good position. I’ve had some tough losses. I’m sitting on a few fights left on my contract, and now I’m fighting newcomers.”
