Michael Johnson: 'I'm Not Leaving'
After a brutal knockout at UFC 326, Michael Johnson broke his silence saying, “I’m not f—king leaving,” and vowed to continue his career despite the setback. (mmamania.com)
Michael Johnson, 39, entered UFC 326 with a 24-20 pro record and a 16-16 mark inside the UFC; the loss to Drew Dober snapped a three-fight winning streak. ( ) The bout took place March 7, 2026, at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, and Dober put Johnson away with a left hand that finished the fight at 1:53 of Round 2. ( ) Drew Dober’s finish increased his UFC lightweight KO total to 11, putting him alongside the division’s all‑time knockout leaders on the UFC stat board. ( ) UFC officials transported Johnson to a local hospital after the knockout for precautionary scans, with the transfer described publicly as a standard post‑KO medical check. (mmamania.com) In a post‑fight Instagram video, Johnson described his emotional response to the defeat and directly addressed speculation about his future in the sport. ( ) Johnson trains out of Kill Cliff FC and has logged more than 30 UFC appearances across his career, making him one of the promotion’s longest‑tenured lightweights. ( )
