On one of the most anticipated cards in the coming months, UFC on FOX 12 will take place without Michael Johnson. Johnson, the ninth ranked lightweight in the UFC (dropped from eighth after getting pulled from the card), was set to take on Josh Thomson in the most important fight of his career, but has been sidelined due to an undisclosed injury.
Johnson’s replacement is none other than Bobby Green, a quickly rising star and the 12th ranked lightweight in the UFC. One of the many fighters coming in from Strikeforce, Johnson is a KOTC veteran and has gone 3-0 since joining the UFC. His opponent, Josh Thomson, was close to a championship bout after knocking out Nate Diaz, but never got the opportunity due to an injury to Anthony Pettis.
In his last fight, Thomson lost a very close split decision to Benson Henderson, and was then scheduled to fight Johnson six months later. Sadly, due to the unlucky injury bug once again, Thomson is forced to face a lower ranked fighter and now has more to lose with a loss. If all goes well Thomson, he should get another top ranked fighter in his next bout.
Getting a huge opportunity in fighting Thomson, Green is a BJJ blue belt and has demonstrated good all-around skill throughout his career. His three wins in the UFC have come via decision, TKO (body kick) and submission (rear naked choke). Taking this fight on short notice, if Green comes out on top, it will be interesting to see where the UFC slips him in next.
