UFC Fight Night 135 results: Michael Johnson defeats Andre Fili by split decision

Featherweights Andre Fili and Michael Johnson fought each other last night (Sat., Aug. 25, 2018) in Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, live and free on Fox Sports 1.

Both fighters came out fast, moving a lot. Fili threw up a high kick that grazed Johnson’s head. Johnson looked for a straight left to the body. The referee briefly halted the bout for an eyepoke from Fili. Fili darted forward, trying to set up power behind his jab. They exchanged in the pocket. Johnson threw a slapping body kick, shook off a head kick from Fili. Fili countered an outside leg kick with a combination. Johnson landed a couple nice left straights that snapped Fili’s head back. Johnson landed a couple jabs, a body shot, and a body kick in combination. His left hand was finding a home. Fili slapped home another head kick, blocked. Johnson was stepping outside Fili’s jab to land his left straight down the pipe.

The second round was stopped in the first minute after Johnson landed an inside kick to the cup. Johnson landed a buzzing left straight on the restart, which Fili ate. Fili circled and threw another nasty head kick up before taking Johnson down and taking his back. Johnson stood, wearing Fili as a backpack. Fili locked up a short choke, pulling Johnson to his back. Johnson fought off the arms twice, refusing to go out like that. He escaped from back control, spinning to top position with a minute left! He pushed Fili’s face down, intent on landing ground and pound. Fili locked him up in a triangle attempt, but Johnson kept good posture.

Each fighter kept up the pace in the third, Johnson landing that left straight while Fili tried to kick his head off. Fili slipped behind Johnson, looking for a takedown. As the round wore down Johnson looked for takedowns against the fence, but Fili sprawled and stayed upright, throwing another headkick as the fight wore down. It would be another tough one to score.

Michael Johnson got the split decision win, and afterwards said a kid named little John has been battling cancer, and for everyone to keep him in their prayers.

Official result: Michael Johnson def. Andre Fili via split decision (29-28x2, 27-30)

For complete UFC Fight Night 135 results, including play-by-play, click here