Michael Johnson’s gamble paid off, as he was able to earn a win against Conor McGregor training partner Artem Lobov in the UFC Fight Night 138 co-main event on Saturday in Moncton, New Brunswick, Canada.
Johnson garnered a unanimous decision win after agreeing to take the fight on only two weeks’ notice. “The Menace” replaced Zubaira Tukhugov, who was pulled from the bout due to his involvement in the brawl following the UFC 229 main event.
Although Lobov acted surprised when the decision was announced, Johnson believes the right decision was made.
“He hit me what, three times, maybe?” Johnson said. “I think the damage I have on my face was from a headbutt. He hit me with a few kicks, but that was pretty much it. I was in and out, and he really couldn’t touch me that much, and I did a lot of damage. I don’t see how he would have thought he would have won the fight at all.”
Following the win, Johnson has plans to continue climbing up the ranks of the featherweight division, and if he has to, the lightweight division as well.
“Every win is just going to be an inch, an inch until I’m sitting at the top of these two divisions, and I have a title around my waist,” Johnson said. “Other than that, the bricks will stay on, and I have no problem keeping them on my chest at all. I fight the best when I have pressure on me and I need wins. It’s just wins from here on out. It’s a different Michael Johnson. I’m going to stay focused for 15 minutes and get right back to training, and we’re definitely going to make some noise again.”
Johnson hopes to add a third win to his resume before the end of 2018. The Florida based fighter is hoping to return December in Australia.
“[Next I’d like] a great fight in December,” Johnson said. “The Australia card or anytime in December. I’m available, I’m here to fight. I’m a fighter, that’s what I do. I’m in the gym training 24-7, and whenever the UFC calls then I’m here for a short-notice fight, I’m going to take it. Nobody in mind. I just want to fight.”
As for who he wants next, Johnson doesn’t care, he’s just ready to fight.
“I’m done calling people out. I’m not one of these new guys that just came into the UFC and needs to call people out to make a name for himself. I’m a veteran. I’ve grown out of that aspect.”