Michael Johnson featherweight debut against Darren Elkins at UFC St. Louis

Duel takes place on January 14th (Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/Montagem SL)

After announcing that he would move down from the lightweight category (up to 70kg) to the featherweight category (up to 66kg), Michael Johnson He already has a date, place and opponent set to make his debut in the new weight class. He faces Darren Elkins at UFC St. Louis, in the United States, on January 14th. The information was given first-hand on the 'Combate' channel website.

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Johnson is going through the worst phase of his career, with four defeats in the last five fights. His most recent performance was in July this year, when he was knocked out by Justin gaethje. A TUF 12 finalist, Johnson spent his entire career at lightweight. In the UFC since 2010, he has accumulated nine triumphs and eight setbacks at home, having beaten names like Dustin poirier, Edson Barboza and Gleison Tibau.

Elkins, in turn, is experiencing the opposite moment. There are now five consecutive victories, achievements that earned him 9th place in the featherweight rankings. His last fight was also in July, when he defeated Dennis Bermudez by points. Experienced and regular in the house, he has 13 positive results and only four negative results.

Two Brazilians are already confirmed on the UFC St. Louis card. The average weight Vitor belfort, who is fighting the last fight of his UFC contract against the Jamaican Uriah Hall, and Thiago Pitbull, who faces Zak Cummings in the welterweight category.