UFC Fight Night: 5 Fights for Michael Johnson
Twelfth-ranked Michael Johnson took his fourth straight win at UFC Fight Night 61 on Sunday as he earned a decision victory over Edson Barboza. Since his time on The Ultimate Fighter, Johnson has steadily improved and overcome multiple hurdles to look like the fighter that he is today.
If he is to become a contender in the very deep lightweight division, he will have to take some key victories over the upper echelon of the group. With that in mind, here is a look at five opponents who should be next in line for the Blackzilian standout.
Benson Henderson
1 of 5
Benson Henderson may not be on an impressive win streak, but his short-notice win over Brandon Thatch has made him a hot commodity on the UFC's roster. The former lightweight champion has always been a tough out for any man who steps in the cage opposite of him. Even though he recently competed at 170 pounds, he is not sure whether he will stay in that division.
“It's still up in the air,” the former champion said during the UFC Fight Night 60 press conference (video via MMA Weekly). “It's not truly up to us. … It's up to the UFC a lot of times. They give you a call, talk to your manager, talk to you and off you go.”
A fight between Henderson and Johnson would determine whether Johnson is ready for the best fighters at 155 and if Benson should move to a new division.
Josh Thomson
2 of 5
Josh Thomson was on the cusp of receiving a title shot against Anthony Pettis until UFC on Fox 10. That split-decision defeat sent the former Strikeforce champion back into a slump that he has yet to pull himself out from.
The loser of two straight, Thomson is set to face the undefeated Gilbert Burns at UFC Fight Night 62 on March 21. If he can pull out a victory, the UFC will be able to place Johnson against the No. 7-ranked Thomson in hopes that the winner will cement himself as another potential contender to the champion.
Eddie Alvarez
3 of 5
Former Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez has not had the best of luck since moving over to the UFC. He was defeated in a tough debut fight against Donald Cerrone back at UFC 178. He was then scheduled to face Benson Henderson but was forced off of the card due to injury, via MMA Junkie.
The UFC has yet to announce his next bout, but Alvarez would be a tough opponent for Johnson at this time. It would be interesting to see how Johnson would deal with Alvarez's pressure and boxing style. A victory for Johnson would certainly set up bigger future fights.
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Jorge Masvidal
4 of 5
Since moving over to the UFC, Jorge Masvidal has flown under the radar. The former Strikeforce title contender has put together a 5-1 record in the Octagon, which includes three straight wins. The Miami, Florida, native is currently ranked No. 13 in the company, but he is set up for a big fight against No. 15 Al Iaquinta at UFC Fight Night 63 on April 4.
A win in that fight could propel Masvidal to the top 10 and in direct line of Johnson.
Al Iaquinta
5 of 5
Iaquinta will be on the opposite side of the Octagon from Masvidal at UFC Fight Night 63, and he also stands as another interesting opponent for Johnson. The Serra-Longo fighter has looked much improved in his recent outings, in which he's won three straight via knockout.
His wins over veterans Ross Pearson and Joe Lauzon go a long way in adding strength to his resume. If Johnson were able to defeat him, that victory may put him in position to challenge for the lightweight title.
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