Michael Johnson sent a message to the lightweight division with a brutal first round knock-out over Dustin Poirier.
The Menace proved he is back and extremely dangerous at 155lbs with the impressive KO of Poirier who was on a four-fight winning streak coming into the main event at UFCÂ Fight Night 94 in Hidalgo, Texas.
Johnson landed a lightning-quick right-left counter which flattened the former featherweight 1:35 into the bout, and he followed it up with a massive right hand which bounced his head off the canvas as he lay prone on the Octagon floor. With punches landing unanswered, the referee stopped the contest.
http://twitter.com/MMA_Jim/status/777366671191310337
Here’s that slick two-punch combo again in slow motion…
Johnson with 1st rd #KO #MMA #UFCHildalgo #UFCFightNight @ufc @FS1 #UFConFS1 pic.twitter.com/ICkLX2cBJm
— Carlsbadbugkila â„¢ (@carlsbadbugkil1) September 18, 2016
As doctors treated Poirier, Johnson walked over to his opponent and made a hand gesture and shouted “Fuck you”. Johnson later apologised for the outburst at Poirier after the pair engaged in some serious trash talking in the run up to the lightweight contest.
Johnson, who was coming off two defeats (including a unanimous decision loss to Nate Diaz), staked a claim for a big fight at 155 with the victory.
He immediately blasted Conor McGregor who looks almost certain to fight next at lightweight, with a title shot against Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in New York looking increasingly likely.
“I’m just coming in here showing people that I’m serious in this division,” Johnson said.“Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz getting paid that much money and they’re out here scrapping and having a sparring match. I come to finish fights. I go for the kill. Pay me baby, what’s up?“I have the fastest hands in this division. I’m the most dangerous guy in this division. I’m going to test anybody in this division. I’m coming for that title. I want on that New York card. Anybody, let’s go.”