MMA Preview – Michael Johnson vs Darrius Flowers at UFC Fight Night 236
Click here for today’s sports betting tips from our expert analysts!
MICHAEL JOHNSON VS DARRIUS FLOWERS FACTS
When is UFC Fight Night 236? Saturday 10th February, 2024 - 22:00 start (UK)
Where is UFC Fight Night 236? UFC APEX, Enterprise, Las Vegas (US)
Where can I get tickets for UFC Fight Night 236? Click here to buy tickets for UFC Fight Night
What channel is UFC Fight Night 236 on? TNT Sports 2
Where can I stream UFC Fight Night 236? TNT Sports subscribers can stream the fight online via the TNT Sports website and Discovery+
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!
MICHAEL JOHNSON VS DARRIUS FLOWERS LOWDOWN
Michael Johnson (21-19) is clearly past his prime sitting on a UFC record of 13-15 but still brings excitement to the Fight Night cards. It seemed the writing was on the wall when he fell on a four-fight skid but picked off a vintage knockout over Alan Patrick (2022) at UFC on ESPN 36. He then lost a close split decision to Jamie Mullarkey (2022) but bounced back with a solid unanimous decision over Marc Diakiese (2022). However, he is coming off a devastating knockout loss to Carlos Diego Ferreira shortening his shelf life.
Darrius Flowers (12-6-1) is next up for the veteran who is in search of his first UFC win. He earnt his UFC contract by tombstoning Amiran Gogoladze (2022) and injuring his shoulder on the Contender Series. He then made his debut against Jake Matthews (2023) at UFC 291, but it was a step too far getting submitted in the second round snapping a four-fight win streak.
MICHAEL JOHNSON VS DARRIUS FLOWERS PREDICTION
Flowers drops down to lightweight to take on the veteran and chance to claim his biggest scalp. Like all Johnson’s fights, his inconsistency makes it very difficult to predict how he will perform.
What we can expect to see is his ferocious hand speed and slick striking. He can also wrestle, but rarely puts it all together. He is 37 years old with a lot of miles on the clock and has a difficult match-up here.
Flowers is a strong wrestler and very explosive. He has also fought as high as 185 lbs at middleweight and if his weight cut goes smoothly, he will be carrying down a lot of power.
That said, if he struggles to cut the weight, his durability will be an issue and Johnson’s speed will expose that. Flowers is very aggressive but has holes in his defence and Johnson has the skill and experience to pick him apart.
However, the big worry is that he was flatlined in his last fight. His chin is compromised, and the underdog has the power to shut the lights out in an instant. Pre Ferreira assassination, we would back Johnson, but can not rely on that chin.
Prediction: Flowers via KO/TKO
Value Bet: Flowers via KO/TKO
