UFC 318 arrives in just eight days, as the promotion finally returns to Louisiana after more than a decade. This time, lightweight fan-favorite Dustin Poirier takes center stage, preparing to close the final chapter of his storied MMA career.. With 40 fights under his belt, ‘The Diamond’ had one heartfelt request: to end his journey where it all began. And now, New Orleans will witness the “last dance” of Poirier.

Though Poirier never secured an undisputed UFC title, he now stands on the brink of another legacy moment—a chance to claim Max Holloway’s BMF belt in what is shaping up to be an emotional and high-stakes showdown. But Poirier doesn’t carry the UFC 318 narrative alone. Veteran Michael Johnson, 39, steps back into the spotlight as he takes on 26-year-old Daniel Zellhuber in a compelling matchup.

‘The Menace’, a longtime UFC mainstay, holds wins over elite names like Dustin Poirier, Tony Ferguson, and Edson Barboza, yet a shot at UFC gold always eluded him. Still, his presence on the UFC 318 card has reignited interest in his journey and legacy within the lightweight division. So with that, let’s take a deeper look at the story of this underappreciated lightweight veteran.

What is Michael Johnson’s ethnicity and nationality?

Michael Johnson was born on June 4, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, proudly representing his roots as an African-American. Raised in a diverse, working-class neighborhood, ‘The Menace’s early environment played a key role in shaping both his resilience and his identity. From a young age, he gravitated toward wrestling, eventually competing at the National Junior College level, where he carried his heritage and pride with him onto the mats.

Driven by grit and passion, Michael Johnson launched his professional MMA career in 2008. His performances on the regional circuit quickly gained attention, earning him a coveted spot on the UFC’s reality show, The Ultimate Fighter (TUF). He didn’t disappoint, delivering standout performances that took him all the way to the finals of TUF Season 12. Once inside the UFC, Johnson showcased his talents across both the featherweight and lightweight divisions, building a reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the game.

One of his most memorable moments came when he knocked out Dustin Poirier in under two minutes, a thunderous finish that stamped his name as a true knockout artist. But technique alone did not fuel Johnson’s strength in the cage. Beneath the punches and power lies something deeper—his anger and trauma. That emotional intensity has long been the silent force behind his fight game.

All we know about Michael Johnson’s parents

Michael Johnson lost his father to a heart attack at just 10 years old—an event that left a lasting emotional wound. Years later, ‘The Menace’ opened up about the grief and how it shaped his path. Reflecting on that painful chapter, he said, “I lost something, a huge part of me…. Fighting was my way of not dealing with my dad’s passing. Now that I think of it, of course, it was the wrong thing to do, especially putting all that burden on my mom having to deal with it.”

His father’s death meant the weight of the family fell on his mother’s shoulders. The Florida native grew up watching her work tirelessly to keep the household afloat, and those sacrifices left a powerful impact. In a heartfelt interview with Bleacher Report, he shared, “My mother is the love of my life,” adding that he loved her more than anything.

Now 39, Michael Johnson continues to compete in the UFC, having signed a five-fight deal just two years ago. Many saw this as his way of securing enough to finally help his mother retire. But even after nearly 15 years with the promotion, Johnson revealed the financial strain of a fighter’s life—admitting in 2024 that he’s still living paycheck to paycheck and can’t afford a break from fighting.

Michael Johnson’s early life and background

Michael Johnson, the youngest of three siblings, never envisioned a future in combat sports. In fact, during his early college years, his ultimate goal was to play in the NFL. He began his athletic journey at Marquette High School in St. Louis, Missouri, where he excelled in football, wrestling, and track, earning varsity letters in all three. His standout performances on the football field earned him a scholarship to Central Methodist University.

But life had different plans. The Missouri standout eventually transferred to Meramec Community College, a move that unexpectedly steered him toward wrestling. It was during this period that he discovered a growing interest in mixed martial arts. Soon, he began training at Springfield Fight Club under the guidance of respected Gracie Barra coaches, setting the stage for his transition into professional fighting.

Looking back, Michael Johnson reflected, “I had dreams of one day making it to the National Football League. Playing in the NFL was a dream of mine, and that’s why I chose Central Methodist,” he said. “I ended up leaving school and found myself at a JUCO college. There I wrestled and started getting into the sport of mixed martial arts. Before I knew it I was training and in the UFC.”

Now, Michael Johnson finds himself in the twilight of a career filled with ups and downs. What’s your take on Johnson’s future in the sport? How much longer do you think he can keep taking these shots? Drop your opinion below.