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Loses hard-fought split decision at Olympic Arena in Moscow
Johnson was defeated by Rustam Khabilov via split decision (28-29, 29-28, 28-29) at UFC Moscow on Saturday.
ANALYSIS
This was a very close fight. Johnson did an excellent job of using his footwork and kicks to nullify Khabilov's takedowns for the majority of the fight. When he was taken down "Ragin'" showed a very active guard and constantly threatened with submissions. He did absorb ground-and-pound and Khabilov opened up a cut on Johnson in the third round after a takedown. The takedown in the third round was likely what swung the fight as Johnson had been successfully out-striking the Russian in the final period until the fight went to the ground. This was Johnson's last fight on his contract and with the loss the UFC is rumored to be releasing him.
This was a very close fight. Johnson did an excellent job of using his footwork and kicks to nullify Khabilov's takedowns for the majority of the fight. When he was taken down "Ragin'" showed a very active guard and constantly threatened with submissions. He did absorb ground-and-pound and Khabilov opened up a cut on Johnson in the third round after a takedown. The takedown in the third round was likely what swung the fight as Johnson had been successfully out-striking the Russian in the final period until the fight went to the ground. This was Johnson's last fight on his contract and with the loss the UFC is rumored to be releasing him.
Fighting Rustam Khabilov at UFC Moscow
Johnson (22-13-1) is scheduled to fight Rustam Khabilov (22-3-0) at UFC Moscow on Sept. 15.
ANALYSIS
The two lightweights had previously been slated to face off in March at UFC London, but the matchup never happened after Khabilov was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Now healthy, Khabilov will take aim at his sixth victory in a row, while Johnson enters the Octagon looking to rebound after losing to Islam Makhachev via submission in his last bout in July.
The two lightweights had previously been slated to face off in March at UFC London, but the matchup never happened after Khabilov was forced to withdraw due to a knee injury. Now healthy, Khabilov will take aim at his sixth victory in a row, while Johnson enters the Octagon looking to rebound after losing to Islam Makhachev via submission in his last bout in July.
No-shows Saturday's loss to Islam Makhachev
Johnson lost to Islam Makhachev via submission (armbar) at 4:43 of Round 1 at UFC on FOX 20 on Saturday in Calgary.
ANALYSIS
Johnson's brash personality doesn't play as well when he is getting dominated by one of the best prospects the sport has to offer. Kajan was credited with 10 total strikes landed and not a single one did any damage to Makhachev whatsoever. Despite his recent four-fight winning streak, Johnson has never given off the impression of being a high-level fighter. He has gone up against weak competition for the vast majority of his career and we saw on Saturday what happens when he is tasked with battling a world-class opponent. Johnson turns 35 years old next April.
Johnson's brash personality doesn't play as well when he is getting dominated by one of the best prospects the sport has to offer. Kajan was credited with 10 total strikes landed and not a single one did any damage to Makhachev whatsoever. Despite his recent four-fight winning streak, Johnson has never given off the impression of being a high-level fighter. He has gone up against weak competition for the vast majority of his career and we saw on Saturday what happens when he is tasked with battling a world-class opponent. Johnson turns 35 years old next April.
Draws Islam Makhachev in July
Johnson will face off against Islam Makhachev in a lightweight matchup at a UFC on FOX event in July, MMAFighting.com reports.
ANALYSIS
The event is expected to take place in Calgary, though the UFC has yet to make an official location announcement. Johnson has emerged victorious in four consecutive UFC bouts, but cut it a little close of late, escaping with a split-decision victory against Stevie Ray in March. He's outlanded his opponent in terms of significant strikes in each of his past three bouts, but has also been susceptible to the takedown at times, sporting a takedown defense rate of 66 percent. Though Johnson will hold a four-inch reach advantage over Makhachev, that could be negated quickly if the latter gets this fight to the ground quickly, as he's done in most of his UFC bouts.
The event is expected to take place in Calgary, though the UFC has yet to make an official location announcement. Johnson has emerged victorious in four consecutive UFC bouts, but cut it a little close of late, escaping with a split-decision victory against Stevie Ray in March. He's outlanded his opponent in terms of significant strikes in each of his past three bouts, but has also been susceptible to the takedown at times, sporting a takedown defense rate of 66 percent. Though Johnson will hold a four-inch reach advantage over Makhachev, that could be negated quickly if the latter gets this fight to the ground quickly, as he's done in most of his UFC bouts.
Wins close split decision in London
Johnson defeated Stevie Ray via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) at UFC Fight Night on Saturday in London.
ANALYSIS
The first round was very uneventful as Johnson stayed on the outside and basically just tried to avoid Ray's strikes. Johnson landed a few kicks to Ray's calf, but neither fighter did much damage. In the second round, Johnson landed a huge straight right followed by a head kick that hurt Ray. "Ragin" shot for a takedown and found himself in a deep guillotine choke. He was able to escape and took "Braveheart's" back. He then landed another takedown before the end of the round. In the third round Ray hurt Johnson with some strikes and had Johnson wobbled. Johnson ended up getting a takedown as Ray pursued him, but didn't do much on the ground and the fighters were stood up. Johnson got taken down to end the round, and Ray ended the fight on top. It was a fight that could have been scored either way, and both fighters displayed great technique in striking and on the ground. The fight likely swung on who won the second round.
The first round was very uneventful as Johnson stayed on the outside and basically just tried to avoid Ray's strikes. Johnson landed a few kicks to Ray's calf, but neither fighter did much damage. In the second round, Johnson landed a huge straight right followed by a head kick that hurt Ray. "Ragin" shot for a takedown and found himself in a deep guillotine choke. He was able to escape and took "Braveheart's" back. He then landed another takedown before the end of the round. In the third round Ray hurt Johnson with some strikes and had Johnson wobbled. Johnson ended up getting a takedown as Ray pursued him, but didn't do much on the ground and the fighters were stood up. Johnson got taken down to end the round, and Ray ended the fight on top. It was a fight that could have been scored either way, and both fighters displayed great technique in striking and on the ground. The fight likely swung on who won the second round.