Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar – Fight Preview & Analysis

UFC on ESPN 63: Covington vs. Buckley is scheduled to take place on Saturday, December 14, 2024, in Tampa, Florida, USA. In this matchup on the fight card, Michael “The Menace” Johnson will take on Ottman “Bulldozer” Azaitar in the Lightweight bout. You can view the complete UFC on ESPN 63 card.

Johnson brings a unique southpaw fighting stance with an 73″ reach. In contrast, Azaitar, an switch fighter, stands with a 71″ reach. These variations in their styles can have a significant impact inside the Octagon.

With a 39% striking accuracy, Johnson has shown his precision in landing significant strikes, averaging around 4.27 per minute. On the other hand, Azaitar boasts a 51% striking accuracy, landing approximately 5.73 significant strikes per minute.

In this post, we will break down Michael Johnson vs. Ottman Azaitar matchup. Let’s take a look at the fighter’s ages, their height, records, reach, fight stats, and more below ⤵

The 38-year-old, Michael Johnson is coming in with a 23-19-0 record. Johnson will be fighting for the first time since a win via unanimous decision against Darrius Flowers at UFC Fight Night: Hermansson vs. Pyfer in February.

Azaitar, meanwhile, is coming off a KO/TKO loss against Michael Johnson on February 10, 2024, at UFC Fight Night: Holm vs. Bueno Silva and holds a 13-2-0 record.

Michael Johnson has a southpaw fighting stance with an 73″ reach. The 34-year-old Ottman Azaitar is an switch fighter with a 71″ reach. An orthodox fighter stands with their left side forward and jabs with their left hand. The southpaw fighter is the opposite. Southpaw stands with their right side forward and jabs with their right hand. In most cases, orthodox fighters are right-handed; if you are left-handed, you fight southpaw.

Michael Johnson stats

→ Johnson’s striking accuracy is 39%.
→ Johnson lands 4.27 significant strikes per minute.
→ Johnson’s takedown accuracy is 41%.
→ Johnson’s takedown average is 0.62 per 15 minutes.
→ Johnson’s takedown defense is 81%.

Johnson comes in with 39% striking accuracy, typically landing about 4.27 significant strikes every minute. Conversely, Azaitar fires at 51% accuracy, landing about 5.73 significant strikes per minute. Michael Johnson also has a 41% takedown accuracy and, on average, gets around 0.62 takedowns every 15 minutes, compared to Azaitar’s 0 takedowns and 100% takedown accuracy.

Ottman Azaitar stats

→ Azaitar’s striking accuracy is 51%.
→ Azaitar lands 5.73 significant strikes per minute.
→ Azaitar’s takedown accuracy is 0%.
→ Azaitar’s takedown average is 0 per 15 minutes.
→ Azaitar’s takedown defense is 100%.

Ottman spent, on average, 2:55 minutes in the Octagon, and Michael has an average fight time of 11:39 minutes.

Considering their records, fighting styles, and recent performances, this matchup looks to be an interesting clash of skills and strategies. Who will come out victorious, Michael or Ottman? Sound off in the comments.

You can view the scheduled UFC on ESPN 63 fight card, upcoming UFC schedule 2024, and latest MMA news.