Michael Johnson addresses retirement calls following brutal KO at UFC 326

UFC lightweight veteran Michael Johnson addressed speculation about his fighting future following a shocking knockout loss at UFC 326.

Despite a sluggish main event, UFC 326 delivered many impressive highlights on the card, including in the highly-anticipated lightweight bout between Drew Dober and Michael Johnson. After a competitive first round, Dober flattened Johnson with one punch midway through Round 2 to hand the 39-year-old his first stoppage defeat in three years.

It was a devastating defeat for Johnson after notching three consecutive wins entering UFC 326. After the brutal stoppage, some fans and pundits questioned whether or not Johnson’s days competing inside the Octagon were numbered.

In his first public comments since UFC 326, Johnson addressed the speculation about his fighting future.

‘Ashamed’ Michael Johnson clarifies fighting future after disastrous UFC 326 KO

In a recent video posted to his Instagram, Johnson broke his social media silence for the first time since UFC 326.

“Last week was a tough pill to swallow,” Johnson said.

“Damn, everything was going so good — but I guess that’s when the worst happens, right? When things are going too good. It was no fluke. It was no lucky punch or no b——- like that. He caught me right on the f——- chin. I just made a small mistake and got a little too comfortable in there and I paid the price.

“Drew fought a good fight,” Johnson continued. “We’ve lost some battles, but we’re in it for the war,” Johnson said. “I’m not f——- leaving. I’m not leaving anytime soon.” (h/t MMA Mania)

Johnson earned wins over Daniel Zellhuber, Ottman Azaitar, and Darrius Flowers entering UFC 326. Since making the full-time return to the lightweight division, Johnson has turned over a new leaf in his career as a dangerous threat to most of the division’s contenders.

Who do you want Michael Johnson to fight next? Let us know in the comments!