UFC Fight Night 94 results: Michael Johnson flattens Dustin Poirier in first, scores statement victory

Michael Johnson (18-10) has officially put himself into Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight title contention. Johnson, 30, knocked out Dustin Poirier (20-5) in the opening round at UFC Fight Night 94 earlier tonight (September 17, 2016) inside State Farm Arena in Hidalgo, Texas. The official time of the stoppage came at 1:35 of round one.

Highlights! Watch the killer combination right here.

"I'm just coming in and showing people that I'm serious in this division," Johnson told Jon Anik after the bout. "Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz getting paid that money and they're out here scrapping and having a sparring match. I come to finish fights. I go for the kill. Pay me baby. What's up?"

Johnson and Poirier had several exchanges to open the contest and both were throwing heavy leather, but it would be Johnson, who would land the first big punches of the fight. And he would prove that his speed and power are deadly. Johnson connected cleanly on a gorgeous right hook, left straight combination, which sent Poirier crashing to the mat. "The Menace" then followed that up by dropping a huge right hand on the already flattened Poirier as referee Dan Miragliotta stepped in to stop the fight.

Johnson was ranked No.10 in the UFC lightweight division and should jump up in the rankings after tonight's victory over Poirier, who was ranked No.7 heading into the bout. Not only did Johnson snap a two-fight losing streak, but he picked up the biggest win of his UFC career and put himself into the lightweight title picture as a bonafide contender. With the win, Johnson improved to 9-6 in UFC.

It's a devastating loss for Poirier, who was on fire since moving up from Featherweight. He has his four-fight win streak snapped in defeat. "The Diamond" is now 12-4 in UFC and 4-1 as a Lightweight.

For complete UFC Fight Night 94: "Johnson vs. Poirier" results, including play-by-play updates, click here.