Elves Brener calls out Michael Johnson after UFC Vegas 121 win

Elves Brener wants to return to the Octagon before the end of the year. The Brazilian lightweight defeated Josiah Harrell by TKO at UFC Vegas 121 on Saturday, snapping a three-fight losing streak. After the victory, Brener called out Michael Johnson and expressed his desire to face the veteran in December.

Elves Brener Calls for Michael Johnson Fight

Brener entered UFC Vegas 121 without a win since November 2023. The Brazilian was coming off three consecutive losses to Myktybek Orolbai, Joel Alvarez and Esteban Ribovics. The setbacks had left Brener searching for answers, but he said he never lost confidence in his abilities.

Now, after his victory on Saturday, the Brazilian wants to return to action in December and has already identified his next opponent. At 40 years old, Johnson is a veteran of more than 30 UFC fights and most recently suffered a second-round knockout loss to Drew Dober at UFC 326 in March.

"I want to be able to fight in December," Brener said during his post-fight interview. "I want to fight Michael Johnson at lightweight. That would be great for me. [...] Young lion against old lion."

Despite his recent losing streak, Brener remained focused on what he could bring to the fight against Harrell. The Brazilian believes his mindset was the key to getting back to winning ways against the American.

"I never doubted my potential," Brener said. "My last three losses were against very tough guys, but I put myself on that shelf. I said to myself, I'm a dangerous guy, too. This is my place. And today I was very calm. I went in without thinking about what Josiah could bring to me. I went in thinking about what I could bring to him."

With the victory, Brener improved his professional record to 17-6. For now, the Brazilian will wait to see if the UFC grants his wish of facing Johnson in December.