UFC Calgary was a rough night for Canada early on, as the host nation went 1-3 in its first four fights on the evening after Islam Makhachev submitted Kajan Johnson.
Kajan Johnson and Islam Makhachev were both fighters looking to break into the top 15 of the lightweight division at UFC Calgary. Johnson on one hand was currently on a four fight winning streak, with his last win coming over Stevie Ray. On the other hand, Islam Makhachev entered on a three fight winning streak going with his last win being a one punch knockout over Gleison Tibau.
The first round began with Kajan Johnson on his bike, trying to use his movement to avoid Makhachev’s wrestling and takedowns. However halfway through the round, Makhachev got the takedown and immediately started slicing through Johnson’s guard. He eventually found his way to mount and looked for the armbar — he got it and that’s all she wrote.
It’s likely that Islam Makhachev will be ranked after this fight and he should be, having looked phenomenal in this win streak and finishing his last two fights against tough opponents. That should net him a big fight next. Not Brock Lesnar, like he called out in the post fight interview, but a big fight nonetheless. Lesnar probably can’t make the weight anyway.
Islam Makhachev def. Kajan Johnson by submission (armbar), Round 1, 4:43
