Johnson apologizes for taunting felled Poirier

UFC lightweight Michael Johnson got the win of his life at UFC Fight Night 94, knocking out Dustin Poirier in just 95 seconds. Then he walked away, rubbing his fingers together in a money gesture popularized by featherweight champion Conor McGregor,

Then he moved towards the prostrate Poirier, and raised his arms in a “WHAT!?!” gesture, but was shooed away by an official of the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation for mixed martial arts. Then he leapt up on top of an Octagon crossbar, and was directed to get off the fence by another official.

Johnson’s emotions are understandable – he is 30 years old, and had been on a two-fight losing streak. He let those emotions get away with him a little bit, but when the adrenaline passed, he offered a heartfelt apology.

My hat’s off to Dustin. I hope he recovers well, said Johnson on FOX Sports 1, as transcribed by Tristen Critchfield for Sherdog. I’m going to go on the air and apologize for my actions afterwards. I just got really emotional throughout the week. I apologize to Dustin.

I was a cornered man. I was fighting with my back against the wall, and I really needed to get in there and get a dominant victory and I did that. So I’m very happy.

Johnson feels the dominant win puts him near the top of the division.

These rankings mean nothing, he said. The only spot that matters is the top spot and the champion. I beat two guys that are in the top 5 already…I think I’m at the top of the division. If nobody is ready to fight for the title, I’m right there for a No. 1 contender fight. But I’ll take on all competitors right now.

Johnson now holds wins over #3 contender Tony Ferguson, #4 Edson Barboza, and, of course, the #7 ranked Poirier. Johnson is currently ranked #10, but will undoubtedly move up very shortly, as the UFC adjusts its rankings to reflect the weekend.

He is a well aware of the money being made at the most elite levels of mixed martial arts, and has a plan to get some of it.

Anthony Pettis, Khabib if he’s not fighting for the title,” said Johnson. “I want the best of the best in this division and I want the guys at the top. I want big money right now. Diaz and McGregor made serious dough and I’m trying to put my name on that money and get paid.