UFC 205 RESULTS | KHABIB VS MICHAEL JOHNSON SCORECARD

Fight Information: Khabib vs Michael Johnson

The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Michael Johnson fight took place on November 12, 2016, at Madison Square Garden in New York City, as part of UFC 205. Khabib Nurmagomedov won the fight via submission (kimura) in the third round.

Michael Johnson

Michael “The Menace” Johnson, from St. Louis, Missouri, has also had a noteworthy career in the UFC, marked by both incredible highs and perplexing lows. Johnson burst onto the UFC scene through The Ultimate Fighter reality show, where he emerged as one of the standout competitors.

Known primarily for his quick hand speed and knockout power, Johnson has faced some of the most elite fighters in the lightweight and featherweight divisions. Throughout his UFC tenure, he has accrued significant wins against fighters like Edson Barboza, Tony Ferguson, and Dustin Poirier.

Despite a mixed record, Johnson has shown flashes of brilliance that underline his potential. His career has been a story of unfulfilled promise at times, but his resilience and willingness to fight the best of the best have earned him respect within the MMA community.

Why did Khabib and Michael Johnson Fight?

In the ever-evolving world of mixed martial arts, certain fights capture the imagination of fans and the attention of pundits alike. One such bout was between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Michael Johnson at UFC 205. To understand the significance of this fight, it’s important to delve into the contexts surrounding both fighters, the stakes involved, and the broader implications for the lightweight division.

UFC 205 was a historic event in its own right, being the organization’s first ever event in the state of New York after the New York State Athletic Commission lifted a longstanding ban on professional MMA fights. Madison Square Garden, an iconic venue in the heart of New York City, was the stage for numerous high-profile bouts, and the card boasted some of the biggest names in the sport, including Conor McGregor and Tyron Woodley. Amidst all the star power, the fight between Khabib and Johnson stood out, not just for the styles clash, but also for the stories both fighters brought into the octagon.

At the time, Khabib Nurmagomedov was a rising star in the UFC lightweight division. With an undefeated record and a background in Sambo and wrestling, he was recognized for his relentless grappling and suffocating top control. He had already defeated notable fighters such as Rafael dos Anjos and Gleison Tibau, earning a reputation as one of the most feared grapplers in the sport. However, injuries had kept him out of the octagon, and fans were eagerly awaiting his return to see if he could reclaim his momentum.

On the other hand, Michael Johnson was also a formidable competitor in the lightweight division. Known for his striking prowess and knockout power, Johnson had secured impressive victories over top-tier talents like Dustin Poirier and Edson Barboza. He was an aggressive, heavy-handed fighter whose speed and precision made him a tough matchup for anyone in the division. Johnson was looking to bounce back and regain his standing in the division after a loss to Nate Diaz, and a victory over an undefeated fighter like Khabib would have surely bolstered his career.

The stakes for both fighters were exceptionally high. For Khabib, this fight was an opportunity to remind the MMA world of his dominance and to stake his claim to a title shot in the incredibly competitive lightweight division. For Johnson, a win against an undefeated opponent would solidify his position as a top contender and potentially pave the way for his own title aspirations.

Adding to the drama, stylistically, the fight was a classic striker vs. grappler matchup. Khabib’s strategy always centered around closing the distance, securing takedowns, and executing punishing ground-and-pound. In contrast, Johnson’s blueprint for victory revolved around utilizing his striking to keep Khabib at bay and to land significant blows to prevent the Russian from executing his game plan. This clash of styles ensured that the fight would be a thrilling encounter, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

Sig. Strikes By Position

KHABIB

Michael Johnson

Khabib vs Michael Johnson full fight Overview

The fight between Khabib Nurmagomedov and Michael Johnson at UFC 205 was a highly anticipated bout that showcased Khabib’s dominant grappling skills against Johnson’s striking prowess. Khabib eventually secured a victory through submission in the third round.

Round 1:
The first round saw Johnson utilizing his striking to good effect. Khabib took some time to close the distance, but Johnson landed several significant punches early on. However, as the round progressed, Khabib managed to take Johnson down and imposed his grappling dominance, landing ground-and-pound strikes.

Round 2:
In the second round, Khabib continued his grappling onslaught. He managed to take Johnson down early and dominated from the top position. The entire round was spent with Khabib applying relentless pressure, landing effective ground-and-pound and controlling Johnson with his superior wrestling skills.

Round 3:
By the third round, Johnson appeared visibly worn out by Khabib’s relentless pace and grappling. Khabib took him down once again and swiftly transitioned to a dominant position. With constant pressure and precise technique, Khabib locked in a kimura submission, forcing Johnson to tap out, thereby securing the victory.

Official Result: Michael Johnson vs Khabib 

Winner: Khabib Nurmagomedov by submission (kimura)

Khabib Nurmagomedov def. Michael Johnson via submission (kimura) at 2:31 of Round 3.

This victory was significant for Khabib’s career as it cemented his status as a top contender in the lightweight division. It showcased his grappling excellence and his ability to overcome adversity, as he took significant strikes early on but remained composed to secure the win. For Michael Johnson, the loss was a learning experience, demonstrating the importance of grappling defense and the need to round out his skill set.

Overall, the fight was a mesmerizing display of Khabib’s exceptional grappling and relentless pressure. It highlighted the Russian’s potential as a future champion and set the stage for his eventual title run. It also served as a stark reminder of the multifaceted challenges that fighters face in the octagon, where every skill, be it striking or grappling, can be the key to victory.

Conclusion

The Khabib Nurmagomedov vs. Michael Johnson fight at UFC 205 was a defining moment for both fighters. Khabib reaffirmed his reputation as one of the most dominant grapplers in MMA history, extending his undefeated streak and paving the way for his eventual claim to the lightweight title. On the other hand, Johnson demonstrated his striking abilities but faced a harsh lesson in the importance of grappling defense.

This fight, held at the historic Madison Square Garden, was part of a groundbreaking UFC event that marked the organization’s entry into New York. It was a clash of styles that lived up to the hype, providing fans with a thrilling spectacle and adding another chapter to the storied careers of both fighters.

Khabib’s victory via kimura submission in the third round was a masterclass in grappling and strategy, underlining his unparalleled skill set. For Johnson, despite the loss, the fight was a testament to his courage and determination, providing valuable experience for his subsequent bouts.