Michael Johnson Biography

Michael Johnson, also known as “The Menace,” is an American professional mixed martial artist who competes in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Johnson was born on June 4, 1986, in St. Louis, Missouri, and has been active in professional MMA since 2008.

Here, we have Daniel Cormier’s net worth, salary, career earnings, achievements, biography, family, and more.

Michael Johnson’s Net Worth Details

Michael Johnson’s net worth is estimated to be $14 million as of 2025. His earnings come from his prize money as a professional MMA fighter, endorsements, and other sources.

Career Earnings

Michael Johnson has recorded career-disclosed earnings of $522,000, representing the total earnings reported from his professional fights.

It is important to note that this amount may not include additional income from undisclosed bonuses, sponsorships, or other sources.

Endorsements

Michael Johnson has had at least one known endorsement deal with GRILLiT Inc. In 2013, GRILLiT Inc. announced its sponsorship of Johnson for UFC Fight Night 26.

As part of this endorsement, Johnson wore the GRILLiT brand on his trunks, and the company’s logo was displayed on various banners at ringside.

About Michael Johnson

Detail Information
Full Name Michael Julian Johnson
Nickname  The Menace
Date of Birth June 4, 1986
Age 37
Birth Place  St. Louis, Missouri, United States
Nationality American
Height 5’10” (178 cm)
Weight Lightweight (155 lbs / 70.3 kg)
Reach 73.5 inches (187 cm)
Fighting Style Wrestling
Fighting Out Of Boca Raton, Florida
Team Blackzilians (former)

Sanford MMA

Rank purple belt in Brazilian jiu-jitsu under Gilbert Burns
Wrestling Olympic Freestyle Wrestling, NCAA Division I Wrestling
Years Active in MMA 2008–present
Professional Debut 2008
MMA Record 22 wins, 19 losses, 0 draws
Division Lightweight (2008–2017, 2019–present)

Featherweight (2018–2019)

Marital Status Single
Instagram Handle  @menacefight

He began fighting at the age of 10, motivated by the need to channel his anger following his father’s death.

Johnson was a three-sport varsity athlete in high school and later received a full scholarship to play football at Central Methodist University.

He eventually transferred to Meramec Community College, where he excelled in NJCAA wrestling.

Michael Johnson Biography

Early Career

Johnson started his professional MMA career in 2008, competing in regional circuits. He won titles in the Midwest Fight League and Xtreme Cage Fighting in 2008 and 2009, respectively. 

His persistence paid off when he was cast in the twelfth season of The Ultimate Fighter: Team GSP vs. Team Koscheck, where he finished second.

UFC Career

Johnson’s UFC career has included notable victories and significant losses. His professional record is 22 wins and 19 losses.

His notable successes include wins over Joe Lauzon, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza. He has earned multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses.

Michael Johnson Biography

Relationship Status

Johnson may be single and not currently dating anyone. He has no previous romances or commitments. He appears to be content with being unmarried and focused on his job.

Fight Records

41 matches  22 wins 19 loses
By knockout 9 3
By submission 2 9
By decision 11 7

FAQs

When and why did Michael Johnson start training for fighting?

After finishing college football and wrestling, Michael Johnson began training for fighting in 2007. He needed the competition and felt he would succeed in the sport.

What is Michael Johnson’s professional MMA record?

As of 2024, Michael Johnson’s professional MMA record is 22 wins, 19 losses, and 0 draws.

What are Michael Johnson’s notable achievements in MMA?

Johnson was the runner-up on The Ultimate Fighter Season 12. He has also won the XCF Lightweight Championship and the MFL Lightweight Championship, earning multiple “Fight of the Night” and “Performance of the Night” bonuses in the UFC.

What is Michael Johnson’s fighting style?

Johnson is known for his fast and powerful striking. He has a strong wrestling background and fights with a southpaw stance. His reach is 73.5 inches. His favorite grappling techniques include double and single legs, and he enjoys using knees, punches, kicks, and elbows in striking.

Who are Michael Johnson’s trainers, and what are their affiliations?

Michael Johnson currently trains with Kill Cliff FC. He has previously trained with the Blackzilians and Jackson’s MMA.

What is Michael Johnson’s height and reach?

Michael Johnson is 5’10” (178 cm) tall and has a reach of 73.5 inches (187 cm).

What are Michael Johnson’s career disclosed earnings?

Michael Johnson’s career-disclosed earnings amount to $522,000.

What is Michael Johnson’s educational background?

Johnson attended Central Methodist University on a football scholarship and later transferred to Meramec Community College, where he was a top NJCAA wrestler. He has not yet completed a degree but plans to finish his education.

What are some of Michael Johnson’s notable fights?

Some of Johnson’s notable fights include victories over Joe Lauzon, Dustin Poirier, and Edson Barboza. He also had a memorable battle against Justin Gaethje, which earned him the “Fight of the Year” award in 2017.

Does Michael Johnson have any heroes?

Michael Johnson considers his mother to be his biggest hero.