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Michael Johnson predicts a “surprise” ahead of Khabib Nurmagomedov vs Justin Gaethje at UFC 254

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Michael Johnson is one of the few to have faced Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov

Helen Yee interviewed UFC star Michael Johnson as he continued his rehabilitation and treatment done.

The 34-year-old confirmed he was keen on another fight but was a few weeks off before getting to full fitness.

Michael Johnson (L) of the United States reacts after being defeated by Thiago Moises (R) of Brazil in their Lightweight bout during UFC Fight Night at VyStar Veterans Memorial Arena on May 13, 2020 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

While Johnson last fought in May 2020, he wanted to return for the final UFC card of the year on 19 December.

Nevertheless, Johnson also spoke about one huge clash that was set for UFC 254. Justin Gaethje and Khabib Nurmagomedov are to meet in the main event of UFC 254 and it seems to be too close a clash to call.

Johnson is one of the few to have faced both the stars in the UFC and claimed there was a surprise on the cards:

“I am looking forward to the fight. They are great fighters and are great at what they do.

“It’s the constant striker vs the wrestler. We will see how it goes.

“I think Khabib is going to surprise people and Justin is going to surprise people, so I am looking for a good fight.”

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Backing Khabib for the win

The American was asked to back someone for the win, and he claimed that Khabib was going to stay as the Lightweight UFC champion.

“It’s kind of hard to go against Khabib because he is just who he is but Justin has been on fire right now.

“I am leaning towards Khabib but year Justin’s tough to put away.”

Johnson added that fighting Khabib was the greater challenge when compared to Justin and that was due to the Russian’s wrestling background.

Khabib Nurmagomedov of Russia (L) and Michael Johnson square up for a photo during the UFC 205 Ultimate Media Dayat The Theater at Madison Square Garden on November 9, 2016 in New York City. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

The 34-year-old also highlighted that he wasn’t surprised when Gaethje dominated Tony Ferguson in his last fight:

“I saw that one coming. Justin is a better striker and a fighter. Tony gets careless sometimes and he just got really careless in that fight and Justin took advantage of him.”

Khabib vs Gaethje could be a fight of the year, and it will be interesting to see who is the champion after UFC 254.

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Saiyed Adeem Karim

Ditching a corporate job to follow a dream isn't easy, but when football comes calling, who can say no? Been following the beautiful game since 1998. Liverpool addict, F1 fanatic!

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