MMA Preview – Carlos Diego Ferreira vs Michael Johnson at UFC Fight Night 224
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CARLOS DIEGO FERREIRA VS MICHAEL JOHNSON FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 224? Saturday May 20th March, 2023 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 224? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Nevada (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 224? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 224 on? BT Sport 1
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 224? BT Sport subscribers can stream the fight online via the BT Sport website
For viewers in the United States, the event will be shown live on ESPN+ and you can sign up for access as part of a Disney Bundle here!
CARLOS DIEGO FERREIRA VS MICHAEL JOHNSON LOWDOWN
Carlos Diego Ferreira (17-5) was carving through the lightweight division and was eyeing up a title shot after submitting former champion Anthony Pettis (2020). However, the five-fight streak was snapped when Beneil Dariush (2021) did enough to earn a split decision in a ‘Fight of the Night’ display. Ferreira has only found it tougher since getting TKO’d by Gregor Gillespie (2021) and Mateusz Gamrot (2021).
The man hoping to pile on the misery is Michael Johnson (21-18). He has found a rare bit of form going 2-1 in his last three. He knocked out Alan Patrick (2022) to break a four-fight skid but went on to lose a split decision to Jamie Mullarkey (2022). However, a unanimous decision over Marc Diakiese (2022) bumped his UFC record up to 13-14.
CARLOS DIEGO FERREIRA VS MICHAEL JOHNSON PREDICTION
The Brazilian has not fought in 17 months and not won in over three years, but the talent is still there. He is extremely well-rounded with improving striking and he is one of the most underrated grapplers in the division as a high-level Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt.
For him, the game plan should be clear. Johnson has brilliant takedown defence and he still has immense speed in his hands. Ferreira packs a lot of power, but considering he is looking at a four-fight skid, he would be foolish to stand with the experienced striker.
We expect Ferreira to play it safe and get his hands on Johnson. He will struggle to take Johnson down, but if he can drag the fight to the ground, he will only need the slightest of openings to cinch up a submission.
The time off is a worry and if Johnson fends off the early takedown attempts, he could make this look easy especially when Ferreira starts to fade. However, he only needs one opportunity to hand Johnson his 10th submission loss.
Prediction: Ferreira via Submission
Value bet: Johnson via Decision
