Michael Johnson: The best striker in the division

[Formwork]

Pre concussion Grant beats him up on the feet. Makdessi would also clean his clock. I'd love to see that match up.

 

[Kneepocalypse]

Plus quicker hands, better footwork, better timing, better understanding of distance, and better understanding of angles.

i think u give Johnson too much credit, but it's generally true

 

[Dart Feld]

Diaz IMO would tool him on the feet - Diaz weakness is kicks, not boxing. I don't think MJ could use his range against a rangier guy like Diaz.

Pettis is obviously better on the feet.

Ben Henderson isn't flashy but could probably outpoint him with kicks.

Grant would KO him.

Ceronne would have a great chance but it depends if his gameface is on. They should make that fight actually, it would be great

RDA would also be competitive.

Josh Thompson if he was injury free could beat him standing.

Melendez has better boxing IMO, maybe not as much power though. I'd pick Melendez to win on the feet.

Johnson's striking is actually pretty diverse. He has good kicks, knees, and elbows. I think that he could def. pose issues for Diaz.

We don't know how much the major concussion that sidelined him for a year(well that's when he plans to return) has affected him.

Bendo fight would be interesting but I think that that would have more grappling than striking.

 

[muaythaibeast]

It's fair enough of him to say it. What's he supposed to say? I'm not as good the top guys but I'll do my best?
Honestly I'm surprised the guy got past lauzon

 

[JKS]

I don't think he's the best but he's good, I want to see him fight Diaz

 

[fortheo]

i think u give Johnson too much credit, but it's generally true

Yeah haha I did, but I thought you were giving him too little credit so I tried to even the scales out a bit.

 

[supernova]

Fighters do this all the time its ok its all about confidence and self promotion.


Pettis is the best btw and likely top 3 in mma.

 

[Shotokan Dragon]

What do you expect him to say?

This.

I understand why these threads are made, but people need to start grasping just how imperative confidence is in individual sports. Even the slightest bit of self-doubt can go a long way in preventing you from maxing out. I remember a number of posters were also mocking Belcher after the UFC on Fox 3 press conference (he claimed he was the best MW in the world). Like a "I'll really celebrate this win because I know it doesn't get much better than this; Anderson would humiliate me"-type response seems reasonable.

Anyways, after thinking it over some more, Johnson may actually be a top 5 striker at 155. Like Dart Feld said, he has more than just boxing and lateral movement these days. His kicks are solid and, particularly in the J-Lau fight, has displayed a pretty dynamic attack as of late. He hasn't reached his ceiling, either. He may not be as good as Njokuani or Pettis today, but, with his continued growth, athleticism and fluidity, who knows.

 

[Mr. Hammer]

TS sounds a bit too much mad.

Exactly what I was thinking.

 

[eddymotto]

my only question is --- "IS HE FOR REAL?"

Joe? Joe?

 

[A84]

Who cares, he his hyping himself up to get bigger fights and pay.

Either way very impressive, beating Lauzon, Tibau and Guillard in a row.

 

[Sosua]

He's a good striker, is entitled to say things like that even if he's incorrect.

It's not like it was Cody MacKenzie saying it.

 

[HuntersCreed]

Nate Diaz could out strike him.

 

[robjenkins2]

Just let Nate whoop his ass real quick

 

[Tankeray]

Johnson's a good striker but he really needs to improve his boxing.

He had the opportunity to finish Melvin tonight but got a little wild with his punches and gassed a bit near the end. Other than that his timing looks really good and he has more of a kickboxing game than he's ever had, especially in his last couple fights.

 

[Genki Sudo II]

Pettis is far and away the best striker in the division
Eddie is easily 2nd

I like Eddie and all but NO way in heck. I'd worry for the other fighters if they decide to bang with Johnson. Just like Aldo he could potential have a monopoly on LW stand up.

 

[biscuitsbrah]

You leave out Edson Barboza and Anthony Njokuani but Khabib is there. Benson probably has no business there, let alone Khabib.

Edson got KTFO by Varner. Also I admit I dont follow Njokuani but in the fights he has lost im pretty sure hes lost standup battles, its not like all his loses hes being held down.

Khabib is unproven in the standup but he would explode all over these bitches. Also Benson stood and traded with Edgar, Melendez, Diaz, and Thomson.

 

[lowsingle]

trying to talk himself into a big fight

dont blame someone for being confident

 

[Bboy]

How dare a fighter have faith in himself.

 

[Dontevenguess93]

Edson got KTFO by Varner. Also I admit I dont follow Njokuani but in the fights he has lost im pretty sure hes lost standup battles, its not like all his loses hes being held down.

Khabib is unproven in the standup but he would explode all over these bitches. Also Benson stood and traded with Edgar, Melendez, Diaz, and Thomson.

A: Your incredibly biased. Edson has had issues with wrestlers who fake takedowns and throw big leather. But has bested better strikers than Varner. (No offense to Varner he is very good)

B: Njokuani has only lost 1 stand up battle which was to Edson.

If you think Khabib beats them standing, go pet your unicorn.