UFC on Versus 4 Results: Michael Johnson Has Come a Long Way

The preliminary fights for UFC on VS opened up on Facebook with a matchup between Ultimate Fighter Season 12 runner Michael Johnson and Edward Faalaloto.

Johnson weathered an early storm from Faalolota that involved some heavy leg kicks and a strong elbow out of the clinch that cut Johnson open around his left eye.

Johnson scored two take downs but had difficulty holding Faaloloto down on both occasion and didn't really inflict much damage from the top.

Despite Faaloloto's powerful striking and ability to scramble back to his feet from the bottom, Johnson was able to score the first-round technical knockout by landing powerful strikes from the Thai clinch followed up with effective ground and pound.

The young lightweight showed off an improved skill set and the ability to endure in his second UFC fight.

Prior to tonight's performance, Johnson had lost the Ultimate Fighter finale to Jonathan Brookins, and the glaring issue with Johnson through out the show was that he is a great athlete will solid wrestling, but his stand-up didn't have much to offer.

Although Faaloloto's 2-2 mixed martial arts record is nothing to write home about, the fact of the matter is that he hits hard, and any fighter who can get through the flurry of leg kicks, punches and elbows that he threw and go on to win the match is showing a lot of heart.

Johnson's stock has risen since his loss to Brookins and in mixed martial arts nothing is more scary than a decent wrestler who is getting the hang of the stand-up game.

Obviously, a lot of hard work lies ahead for Johnson, but this victory could be the start to something for the 24-year-old lightweight fighter.

The UFC lightweight division is chalk full of fighters looking to get a shot at UFC gold, and there are plenty of match ups that make sense for Johnson after his victory tonight.

Leon Horne has been contributing to Bleacher Report for three years now. He focuses mainly on mixed martial arts, but he has also written about tennis, football and hockey. Just send him a message if you want to talk sports or discuss any opportunities. You can follow him on Twitter for updates: