Jordan Johnson was an early favorite heading into the 2019 season of PFL. However, Maxim Grishin gave him his first career loss at PFL 3 2019.
Uniondale, NY – Maxim Grishin was on fire heading into PFL 3 2019 with just one loss in his last 18 bouts. He had a tough task ahead of him in undefeated former UFC fighter Jordan Johnson, but his takedown defense proved strong and a third-round knockdown sealed the victory. With the expectations surrounding Johnson’s PFL journey, Grishin was more than prepared to take him on.
“I was confident in myself and I know that [Jordan Johnson] was a top opponent because he came from the UFC, the top organization in the world. He has a great background in wrestling so I was preparing for everything and I was prepared for a tough fight.”
The lengths he went to for that preparation are impressive, down to Johnson’s specific style of wrestling.
“So my opponent wrestled in Iowa and I have some friends back in Russia who have wrestled in Iowa and know that style. They helped me prepare for this. I was expecting everything he did.”
The fight ended in a split decision, but Grishin was confident that he did more than enough to get the nod.
“It was a close fight, but regardless of the knockdown, I was controlling everything. He tried to take me down but I had better defense. He didn’t control me on the floor either.”
With all the focus on Johnson heading into the fight, Grishin honed in on his self-belief, and that showed in the cage.
“I don’t really care if somebody underestimates me or somebody doubts me. I just want to thank Ray Sefo and PFL for giving me this opportunity to welcome this guy to the organization. Jordan’s never faced an opponent like me.”
With standard matchmaking being a part of the regular season in PFL, Grishin has one request for his next opponent before the matchmaking becomes merit-based.
“I really don’t care who will be my next opponent. Whoever the PFL gives me, I will beat them. Just not my countrymen from Russia. I want somebody else.”
