Michael Johnson on Saturday added a late candidate to the discussion of 2024’s nastiest knockout.
At UFC Tampa, Fla., Johnson (23-19 MMA, 15-15 UFC) knocked Ottman Azaitar (13-3 MMA, 2-3 UFC) unconscious in brutal fashion with a blistering overhand right.
Though Azaitar was out from the initial blow, two more Johnson right hands cracked his unconscious head before referee Jason Herzog dove in and stopped the fight at 2:03 of Round 2.
This KO from Michael Johnson 😮#UFCfightnight pic.twitter.com/zWFsQcnoLT
— Mostly MMA (@MostlyMMA) December 15, 2024
The win was Johnson’s second in a row. He beat Darrius Flowers by unanimous decision in February before having surgery in March. The win was Johnson’s 15th in the promotion and brings him up to .500 in his 15th year with the promotion.
After a 13-0 start to his professional career, Azaitar has suffered three consecutive knockout defeats.
Sent him to the shadow realm. Michael Johnson is a "Menace". #UFCTempapic.twitter.com/xr3zBcdRZr
— MMA On Point (@OnPointMMA) December 15, 2024