LAS VEGAS – Michael Johnson claims he’s more driven than ever as he prepared for his 28th octagon appearance on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 224.
Johnson (21-18 MMA, 13-14 UFC) has been part of the UFC roster since December 2010. Throughout that time he’s beaten marquee names such as Dustin Poirier, Edson Barboza and Tony Ferguson, but he’s also lost to number of opponents who would be, in theory, defined as inferior.
Ahead of Saturday’s lightweight matchup with Diego Ferreira (17-5 MMA, 8-5 UFC), which takes place at the UFC Apex and streams on ESPN+, Johnson said he’s in a very good place.
“We can get back to fighting and get to getting this money and hey, 36, about to be 37 – I’m probably the healthiest I’ve been,” Johnson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at Wednesday’s UFC Fight Night 224 media day. “The surgeries are cleared up. Fresh-minded, clear-minded and no stress and I’m having fun in life now.”
Johnson’s ride through MMA has been quite the rollercoaster. However, he’s not ready to get off the ride. He’s still determined to chase greatness, and wants the glory as well as financial rewards that come along with being at the pinnacle of the sport.
“A lot of things that keep me motivated is seeing guys that I know I’m better than getting paid, getting big money, getting big fights,” Johnson said. “Guys that I’ve beaten getting these big fights, getting all the popularity and all that sh*t I don’t care about. I just want to be financially stable from this UFC. I’m not leaving until I get what I came here for.
“Whether that takes me another five years. Six, seven years. I’m going to stay until I’m done and the job’s finished. … I still want a world title. I’m thirsty for that world title. I’m thirsty for all that money in the bank. We’ll see how the next few years go, and then we’ll adjust.”
Johnson said he understands the challenge he’s facing at UFC Fight Night 224. Ferreira enters the matchup on a three-fight losing skid, and is going to be focused on turning the tide. Johnson has been in that position, too, and he said getting his hand raised would be a tall task.
“I understand exactly what’s going on with Diego, being up and down. It’s the sport. It is what it is. But he’s a true veteran. He’s beaten some of the best guys. He’s beaten champions before. He’s tough. He’s a guy that always comes to fight. That’s what I’m excited for.”
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 224.
