UFC 318 winner Michael Johnson aims high with callout after tying knockdown record

USA Today

7 days ago

NEW ORLEANS – Michael Johnson is aiming high after tying a UFC record.
In the main card opener of UFC 318 at Smoothie King Center, Johnson (24-19 MMA, 16-15 UFC) picked up a unanimous decision victory over Daniel Zellhuber, extending his current winning streak to three.
En route to the victory, Johnson scored a knockdown of Zellhuber (15-3 MMA, 3-3 UFC), which joined Melvin Guillard for the most knockdowns in UFC lightweight history with 13.
"It feels good, it makes me feel like I'm doing something right," Johnson told MMA Junkie and other reporters at a post-fight news conference. "It definitely makes me be like, 'Maybe I do hit a little harder than I thought I did.' Or maybe it's the speed, but it's incredible. Me and my team have done such a great job. They haven't given up on me, even at sometimes where I might have almost given up on myself. ... It's great to be at the top of the record books. I'm going to keep climbing and keep getting more records."
Although he's had his ups and downs throughout his career, Johnson has recorded some big knockout moments, including a first-round finish of the now-retired Dustin Poirier in 2016.
With momentum on his side, Johnson has designs on shooting for the top of the lightweight division, as he wants the BMF champion Max Holloway next.
"I want to get in by the end of the year, hopefully soon," Johnson said. "I've been throwing the idea around of me and Max Holloway. He's one of the best fighters that's ever come across the division. I've told everybody from day one in this organization, I want to fight the best of the best. Max Holloway's one of the best. ... That'll be a fun five-round five for me and him to do."