Timothy Johnson (fighter)

Timothy Johnson (born March 13, 1985) is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division. A professional competitor since 2010, he has also competed for the UFC and Bellator MMA.

Mixed martial arts career
After completing his collegiate career as a two-time All-American wrestler at Division II Minnesota State University Moorhead, Johnson made his professional mixed martial arts debut in October 2010. He competed primarily for regional organizations around his adopted home of North Dakota. He amassed a record of 7–1, finishing all of his opponents, before signing with the UFC on the heels of a first round finish of Travis Wiuff in October 2014.

Ultimate Fighting Championship
Johnson made his promotional debut against Shamil Abdurakhimov on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63. He won the fight via TKO in the final seconds of the first round.

Johnson next faced Jared Rosholt on August 8, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 73. Despite staggering and nearly finishing Rosholt with strikes in the last minute of the fight, Johnson lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Johnson faced promotional newcomer Marcin Tybura on April 10, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 86. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Johnson next faced Alexander Volkov on November 19, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 99. Volkov was awarded a controversial split decision victory. 12 out of 12 media scores gave the bout to Johnson.

Johnson faced Daniel Omielańczuk on March 18, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 107. He won the back and forth fight by split decision (28–29, 30–27, and 29–28).

Johnson faced promotional newcomer Júnior Albini on July 22, 2017, at UFC on Fox 25. He lost the fight via TKO in the first round.

Johnson faced Marcelo Golm on February 3, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 125. He won the fight via unanimous decision. The fight marked the last bout of his prevailing contract, and the UFC opted not to renew it.

Bellator MMA
On April 13, 2018, it was revealed that Johnson had signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA.

Johnson made his debut against Cheick Kongo on October 13, 2018, at Bellator 208. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Johnson was scheduled to face Azunna Anyanwu in the prelims of Bellator 225 on August 24, 2019. However, on the day of the fight, it was announced that Johnson would fill in for Javy Ayala and face former Bellator Heavyweight champion Vitaly Minakov in the co main event. He lost the fight via knockout in the first round.

Johnson next faced Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239 on February 21, 2020. He won the fight by knockout in the first round.

Johnson next faced Matt Mitrione on August 7, 2020, at Bellator 243. He won the fight via technical knockout in the first round.

On October 10, 2020, Johnson rematched Cheick Kongo at Bellator 248 in Paris, France. He would avenge his previous loss to Kongo with a split-decision victory.

With heavyweight champion Ryan Bader moving on in the Bellator Light Heavyweight World Grand Prix Tournament, Johnson faced Valentin Moldavsky for the Bellator Interim Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator 261 on June 25, 2021. He lost the bout by unanimous decision.

Johnson faced Fedor Emelianenko on October 23, 2021, at Bellator 269. He lost the bout via knockout in the first round.

Johnson was scheduled to rematch Tyrell Fortune on April 15, 2022, at Bellator 277. However, on March 1, 2022, it was announced by Bellator that Johnson was expected to face Linton Vassell and Fortune was set to meet Steve Mowry in the event. Despite rocking Vassell early in the round, Johnson lost the bout via TKO at the end of the first.

Johnson faced Said Sowma on April 21, 2023, at Bellator 294. He won the bout via unanimous decision.

Post Bellator
Johnson headlined XFC 50 on April 12, 2024 against Darion Abbey. He won by technical knockout in the first round.

PFL
Johnson made his debut with the Professional Fighters League on June 13, 2024 as he faced Danilo Marques at PFL 4. He won the bout via TKO in the first round.

Championships and accomplishments

 * Ultimate Fighting Championship
 * Performance of the Night (One time)
 * Dakota Fighting Championships
 * Dakota FC Heavyweight Championship (One time)
 * MMAJunkie.com
 * 2020 February Knockout of the Month vs. Tyrell Fortune