Michael Johnson Volunteers to Fight Khabib Nurmagomedov

Could Khabib Nurmagomedov have found his next opponent in Michael Johnson?

The past few days have been wrought with drama as Dana White openly discussed his difficulties in finding anyone who wanted to fight Nurmagomedov, via Twitter.

Now, it seems as if the answer to White’s problems may come in the form of another TUF alum, Johnson.

Johnson is on a two-fight win streak and looks to be a greatly improved fighter who’s honestly hungry to move up the rankings. His last victory saw him knock out Gleison Tibau, and prior to that, he gave Joe Lauzon a thorough thumping.

With both Johnson and Nurmagomedov having their names mentioned as possible opponents for Nate Diaz, perhaps the easiest thing in the world is to have them face each other.

It’s also an interesting clash of styles that would help answer questions about both fighters as they look to move up the ladder.

Thus far, the rejuvenated Johnson has yet to face a fighter who is as dogged about takedowns and working from the top as Nurmagomedov. If Johnson could win such a bout, it would not only officially put his name in the top 10, but it would also give us a glimpse of how good he really is.

Nurmagomedov, for his part, has not really fought a heavy-handed slugger that is also fast and moves well. Given that Johnson is polishing his wrestling game with Olympic gold medalist Kenny Monday, Nurmagomedov has a serious test in front of him.

And if he keeps throwing those telegraphed flying knees with his head out in the open, Johnson has the speed and the power to plant him like Nate Marquardt did to Demian Maia.

This bout seems like a natural resolution for both men, and given their desire, it could make White’s day a little easier.