Khabib Nurmagomedov is widely recognized today as the undisputed UFC lightweight champion and is often considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history. However, in 2016, he was still working his way up the ranks, determined to secure his spot as a top contender. During this time, MMA fans were starting to witness Khabib’s dominance and the incredible potential he had when facing elite opponents.

His relentless grappling and undefeated record hinted at the champion he was destined to become. UFC 205 marked the most significant stage for Khabib Nurmagomedov at that point in his career, as he squared off against Michael Johnson. Although Johnson lost the fight, he claims he became a better fighter after that.

Michael Johnson shares his honest opinion of fighting Khabib Nurmagomedov

Michael Johnson’s quick hands and southpaw stance allowed him to land a solid shot that briefly stunned Khabib Nurmagomedov in the opening round. However, that was the only real challenge ‘The Eagle’ faced during the fight. From that point on, he dominated the action, controlling Johnson on the ground and unleashing powerful strikes. In a display of confidence, Khabib Nurmagomedov began talking to Johnson mid-fight while delivering heavy ground-and-pound, asserting his dominance as the bout progressed.

Now the former undisputed lightweight champion, Khabib Nurmagomedov during the clash had a mid-fight conversation with Michael Johnson as ‘Real Talk’. While holding ‘The Menace’ down, he said between punches, “You have to give up, I need to fight for the title. You know this, I deserve this. Out of everybody, I deserve this. Hey! I need to fight for the title”. Johnson recently sat down for a chat with Mike Perry on his Overdogs podcast and shared his experience of fighting the former champion. According to him ‘The Eagle’ was as strong as a middleweight which surprised him.

During the podcast, he said, “I wasn’t thinking about myself and that was the mistake. You know I went in there and just like, waiting for him to kind of shoot trying to find my motions. Like, I was kind of crotched down I couldn’t really move around. But bro, he’s good, strong, he felt like a middleweight, you know, and that’s a problem, yeah. So, I felt like [I] couldn’t move but he helped me get better. Without that fight, I wouldn’t be here.” After the fight, Khabib Nurmagomedov addressed the media and elaborated on what he said to Michael Johnson during their bout. His desire to compete for the lightweight title was unmistakable, and his message to him was just about getting a title shot next.

Michael Johnson made a statement in his second fight of 2024 at UFC Tampa. The former lightweight contender squared off against Ottman Azaitar at UFC on ESPN: Covington vs. Buckle, and left no doubt about his intentions to re-enter the title conversation. Johnson needed just two minutes into the second round to finish Azaitar, delivering a barrage of punches that secured a knockout victory. He is now looking to take on Justin Gaethje next in his career.

Michael Johnson has his eyes set on his fight with Justin Gaethje after emphatic victory

When Justin Gaethje made his UFC debut, any doubts about his toughness and power quickly disappeared. His first fight in the promotion came against the dangerous Michael Johnson, and the buildup was intense, fueled by heated trash talk. Confident in his experience, Johnson believed he could intimidate Gaethje. However, once the cage doors closed at The Ultimate Fighter season 25 Finale, Johnson was in for a surprise. Gaethje stopped him within two rounds, making a powerful statement in his debut.

Following his knockout victory over Azaitar, Michael Johnson – a UFC veteran of over 15 years – shared his eagerness to return to training during his post-fight interview. He also expressed interest in a rematch with the fighter who handed him a brutal defeat in 2017 – the same opponent he welcomed to the UFC. He said, “The Justin Gaethje fight – that’s the one that I want. I think everybody would love a Gaethje-Johnson [rematch]. I gave him that opportunity when he came over [from WSOF] when nobody else wanted to [fight him], so I think he should go ahead and give that back. We need to run [that] one [back] ’cause I know he knows he got away with that one,”. 

Do you think the fight between the two will ever happen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.