Khabib Nurmagomedov Decimates Michael Johnson (UFC 205 Results) | MMAWeekly.com

Second-ranked lightweight Khabib Nurmagomedov extended his unbeaten streak to 24 fights on Saturday when he decimated sixth-ranked Michael Johnson at UFC 205, finishing “The Menace” by submission in the third round.

Johnson was extremely active to start the fight. He moved laterally, stepping in and out of the pocket. He landed shots and at one point hurt the Russian with a right hand. Nurmagomedov, arguably the best grappler in the sport today, took Johnson down and dominated him for the remainder of the round.

Johnson was able to fend off two takedown attempts to start the second frame, but was unable to stop the third. Nurmagomedov put Johnson on his back and immediately moved to side control. He put Johnson in the crucifix position and hammered away with left hands. Johnson absorbed a lot of damage through the first two rounds and referee “Big” John McCarthy told Johnson’s corner after the round that he wouldn’t allow him to take much more.

The third round started with a brief exchange before Nurmagomedov took Johnson down for the final time. He mounted Johnson and isolated an arm. The Russian quickly applied a kimura and forced Johnson to tap out before suffering an injury.

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After the win, Nurmagomedov located UFC president Dana White in the crowd and called for a title shot against the winner of Eddie Alvarez and Conor McGregor. 

“I want to stay humble, but I have to talk because your guys talk too much,” said Nurmagomedov in his post-fight interview. “You know what’s interesting? I understand how crazy power the UFC PR machine, your guy (Conor McGregor) at the beginning of the year tapped out like a chicken. At the end of the year, he fights for the title. Crazy.”

“This is not trash talking. This is true. Irish, only six million. Russia, 150 million. I want to fight one of your chickens because there is no easy fight in this division,” he added.

Johnson was the first fighter to have Nurmagomedov in any resemblance of trouble, but the Russian brushed it off when questioned about it. 

“Ten years amateur fighting and eight years undefeated pro MMA fights and nobody catch me. Only one guy catch me and you’re talking about this,” he said.  “Michael Johnson, thank you so much for everything.  What do you say about a 24-fight win streak?”

For Johnson, he’s lost three of his last four fights and will likely drop significantly in the 155-pound rankings. 

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