Former MSUM wrestler signs with UFC
“Ex-Dragon signs with UFC”
By Eric Peterson on Nov 4, 2014 at 8:31 p.m.
FARGO – Tim Johnson was at work Monday when asked if he would like to be in the UFC.
A day later, the former Minnesota State Moorhead wrestler signed with the largest mixed martial arts promotion company.
“It hasn’t set in I guess,” Johnson said Tuesday after it became official. “Elated is the word.”
Johnson said he agreed to a four-fight deal with the UFC. His first fight with the organization hasn’t been scheduled yet.
“When I first got into it I wasn’t even going to fight,” Johnson said of the start of his MMA career. “I got into it as a training partner for a couple buddies.”
Johnson, who is from Lamberton, Minn., has an 8-1 record as a pro. He won his last fight in late October, defending the Dakota Fighting Championships heavyweight title at the Fall Brawl at Scheels Arena.
Johnson, 29, scored a first-round technical knockout against Travis Wiuff, who had previously fought in the UFC.
“I thought after that one there was probably a good chance at least my name would be on the minds of some people,” said Johnson, who has won his past seven fights.
Johnson said he signed with Brian Butler of SuckerPunch Entertainment last week.
Johnson still plans to primarily train with the Academy of Combat Arts in Fargo. However, he plans to train at other gyms, too.
“I never saw this in my future years ago,” Johnson said. “I did get hooked on the MMA aspect of it. I started coming in just because it was something so different.”