Veteran lightweights Michael Johnson and Carlos Diego Ferreira kicked off the UFC Vegas 73 main card on Saturday.
Despite his near .500 record, Johnson had fought a who’s who at 145 and 155lbs in his UFC run, sharing the cage with everyone from Khabib Nurmagomedov to Justin Gaethje to Nate Diaz to Josh Emmett. With wins over Edson Barboza, Tony Ferguson, and Joe Lauzon among others, “The Menace” had another tough match-up against Brazilian Ferreira, another athlete known for taking some of the toughest fights the UFC has to offer.
Johnson led the exchanges for much of the first frame, controlling the distance and creating angles to land damaging combinations to his opponent. Ferreira battled back, however, as Fortis MMA General Sayif Saud rallied his fighter, calling for quick jabs and rear right kicks.
Nearly halfway through the second round Ferreira landed a ferocious overhand right, connecting cleanly across the jaw of his opponent and sending Johnson crashing to the canvas. Out cold.
DIEGO FERREIRA SLEPT HIM 😱 #UFCVegas73 pic.twitter.com/OhiPMr1oaq
— UFC (@ufc) May 20, 2023
Ferreira gets back into the win column with a highlight reel knockout, ending a three-fight skid in his first bout since December of 2021.
Michael Johnson’s momentum comes to an abrupt halt, as he’ll look to correct some aspects of his game before stepping back into the cage.
Official Result: Carlos Diego Ferreira def. Michael Johnson by KO, Round 2, 1:50
