Final Preventing Championship (UFC) Light-weight veteran Michael Johnson returns to motion this weekend (Sat., Dec. 14, 2024) within the ‘Prelims’ headliner of UFC Tampa towards Ottman Azaitar, which works down inside Amalie Enviornment in Tampa, Florida.
Throughout UFC Tampa media day, Johnson was requested by UFC Information about his upcoming opponent. Whereas he praised the Moroccan fighter, he questioned why he’s preventing.
“Ottman is an effective fighter. You recognize, he’s undoubtedly obtained a variety of energy in his arms,” Johnson mentioned. “I’ve seen his skillset, and he’s obtained an incredible report. He comes from an incredible camp over there. However I’m just a bit confused about why this man fights. Isn’t he some Moroccan Prince or some shit?
“Excuse my language, however I’m just a bit confused by that. He looks like royalty and looks like he has no monetary issues in any respect, and that’s what a majority of us are within the sport to do,” Johnson concluded. “We don’t come from riches. I may be complicated that; sorry if I’m. He looks like a man that comes from a very good well-being.”
Whereas Azaitar shouldn’t be a prince, he has an in depth relationship with Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and “has an official position throughout the Moroccan authorities,” in line with journalist Karim Zidan.
The Moroccan fighter was launched from UFC for a month after breaking COVID-19 security protocols whereas on “Combat Island” in 2020 however finally returned to the promotion.
However, Johnson plans to present Azaitar his third straight loss and ship him packing from UFC for good.
“If I do every part I do and execute my gameplan completely, I am going in there and get a end,” Johnson mentioned. “That’s what I’m getting in there to do. I’ve to be near good…I’ve to win out; I can not afford a loss or blemish within the stage of my profession.”
MMAmania.com will ship LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow protection of the complete UFC Tampa combat card RIGHT HERE, beginning with the ESPN2/ESPN+ preliminary card bouts at 7 p.m. ET, adopted by the ESPN2/ESPN+ principal card begin time at 10 p.m. ET.
To take a look at the most recent and best UFC Tampa information and notes be sure you hit up our complete occasion archives right here and right here. For the up to date and finalized “Covington vs. Buckley” combat card and ESPN2/ESPN+ line up click on right here.
