MMA Match Preview: Michael Johnson (23-19) vs. Daniel Zellhuber (15-2)

Fight Details

Event: UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3

Date: Saturday, July 19, 2025

Time: 6:00 PM ET (Main Card)

Venue: Smoothie King Center, New Orleans, Louisiana

Weight Class: Lightweight (155 lbs / 70.3 kg)

Broadcast: ESPN+ PPV

Fighter Profiles

Fighter	Michael Johnson	Daniel Zellhuber
Nickname	“The Menace”	“Golden Boy”
Record	23-19-0	15-2-0
Age	39	26
Height	5’10”	6’1″
Reach	73.5″	77.0″
Gym	Kill Cliff FC	Xtreme Couture
Nationality	USA	Mexico

Johnson is a veteran striker with wins over elite names like Dustin Poirier and Edson Barboza.

Zellhuber is a rising prospect known for his rangy striking and composure under pressure.

Recent Form & Momentum

Michael Johnson – Last 5 Fights

Loss vs. Darrius Flowers

Win vs. Marc Diakiese

Loss vs. Carlos Diego Ferreira

Win vs. Alan Patrick

Loss vs. Jamie Mullarkey

Daniel Zellhuber – Last 5 Fights

Win vs. Francisco Prado

Win vs. Christos Giagos

Win vs. Lando Vannata

Loss vs. Trey Ogden

Win vs. Lucas Almeida

Zellhuber enters on a three-fight win streak, while Johnson has alternated wins and losses, struggling to find consistency.

Tactical Breakdown

Michael Johnson

Strengths: Fast hands, counter-striking, takedown defense

Weaknesses: Durability, late-round cardio

Strategy: Use footwork and boxing to frustrate Zellhuber, avoid clinch exchanges

Daniel Zellhuber

Strengths: Reach advantage, jab-heavy offense, composure

Weaknesses: Low output in early rounds, susceptible to pressure

Strategy: Establish range early, mix in leg kicks, push pace in rounds 2 and 3