Last Saturday at UFC Tampa, veteran lightweight Michael Johnson scored one of the most brutal KO wins of his career as he sought out Ottman Azaitar in round two.
After making his UFC debut in 2010, Michael Johnson is one of the longest-tenured fighters still on the roster.
Despite now being 38 years old, 'The Menace' doesn't seem to have slowed down with his fighting style or activity, finishing 2024 with two wins from two fights.
Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC
Michael Johnson wants a rematch with Justin Gaethje after his UFC Tampa win
Following his emphatic second-round KO against Ottman Azaitar, Johnson was asked by Michael Bisping who he would like to face next in the Octagon, but he did not have a specific name at the time.
Despite having more time to think about it, the 38-year-old revealed in his post-fight press conference that he would like a rematch against former interim lightweight champion Justin Gaethje.
The two first faced off in 2017, during Gaethje's debut in the promotion. After an incredible two-round war, 'The Highlight' scored a second-round KO, with the fight later being named Fight of the Year.
“Yes, the Justin Gaethje fight, that's the one I want, I think everyone would love a Gaethje Johnson 2,” he began to explain.
“I gave him that opportunity when he came along and no one else wanted it, so I think he has to go ahead and give that back and we have to run (it again). I know he knows he escaped that,” Johnson continued.
Although Johnson is 38 years old, he has claimed he would like to continue fighting for another eight to 10 years, meaning a rematch against Gaethje may not have to come next.
What could be next for Justin Gaethje?
It's unlikely that Gaethje's next fight will be against Johnson given how far apart they are in the lightweight rankings, with the 36-year-old still in the top 3 of the division.
Fellow former foe of Gaethje, Dustin Poirier, recently teased that his return to the Octagon is currently in talks, revealing that this will be the last fight of his career.
Poirier has previously revealed his desire to fight Gaethje in his home state, with their first meeting taking place in Gaethje's backyard.
After Poirier promised 'there will be blood', fans have speculated that it could be a rematch against 'The Highlight' as Gaethje has also previously said he is open to a rematch with 'The Diamond'.
Related posts
Comments