Timothy Johnson was all business in a three-round decision win as part of Sunday’s “UFC Fight Night” card in Zagreb, Croatia, but that doesn’t mean the Minnesota National Guardsman headed home without a souvenir.
Johnson outlasted Polish heavyweight Marcin Tybura thanks to a fast start and a gutsy finish, chasing his opponent for most of the opening two rounds and scoring on several strikes to bloody the former heavyweight champion of M-1 Global, a Russia-based mixed martial arts promotion.
But Tybura survived the storm and fired back in the third, landing a head kick and some punches of his own that nearly swelled Johnson’s left eye shut. Tybura even managed a takedown of the former college wrestling standout, dropping Johnson early in the third and climbing on the American’s back. Johnson escaped, and the smaller Tybura, a slight favorite entering the contest, appeared too exhausted to mount any serious threats in the closing minutes.
That finish earned Johnson praise from UFC announcers and analysts for his conditioning and his grit, as he survived both the swollen eye and reportedly an injured forearm from blocking a kick. It also earned him his second UFC victory against one defeat (10-2 overall).
The loss was the second in Tybura’s career (13-2, 0-1 UFC).
Johnson has one fight remaining on his UFC contract. He’s also facing a separation date from the Guard this summer, but said before the fight that he’s leaning toward re-enlistment.
He’s been in uniform since 2006 and serves with the 134th Brigade Support Battalion.
Timothy Johnson, left, misses a punch during his clash with Marcin Tybura on Sunday as part of a UFC card in Zagreb, Croatia. (Photo: Per Haljestam/USA Today Sports)