Timothy Johnson (fighter)


Timothy Johnson is an American mixed martial artist currently competing in the Heavyweight division of Bellator MMA. A professional competitor since 2010, he has also competed for the UFC.

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 split decision victory.
Johnson faced Daniel Omielańczuk on March 18, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 107. He won the back and forth fight by split decision.
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.

Personal life

Johnson lives in Fargo, North Dakota where he trains at the Academy of Combat Arts with coaches Dylan Spicer, Joe Trottier and Zach Thumb.

Championships and accomplishments