UFC On Fox 2 Fight Card Primer: Michael Johnson Vs. Shane Roller

Bloody Elbow 2.0 | Anton Tabuena

UFC on Fox 2 features a fight at lightweight between Michael Johnson (9-6; 1-2 UFC) and Shane Roller (10-5; 1-2 UFC). This fight is a part of the FUEL TV prelims. Neither fighter is currently ranking according to the USA Today / MMA Nation Consensus MMA Rankings due to their recent losses. The Fuel TV prelims begin this Saturday, January 28 at 5 p.m. ET / 2 p.m. PT, with the main card following on Fox at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT.

Lightweight has always been considered one of the most exciting divisions in MMA with fighters finding a way to throw with immense power yet also maintain a high pace of action. With no clear cut contenders for the lightweight title after Ben Henderson, this fight will be important for both Johnson and Roller as the winner will surely make a jump up in the rankings. This also means that the loser may be in danger of losing his job as there is limited space on the UFC’s roster at this current moment.

How do these two stack up?

Johnson: 25 years old | 5’10” | 74.0″ reach

Shane Roller: 32 years old | 5’10” | 72.0″ reach

What have these two done recently?

Johnson: L – Paul Sass (SUB) | W – Edward Faaloloto (TKO) | L – Jonathan Brookins (UD)

Roller: L – T.J. Grant (SUB) | L – Melvin Guillard (KO) | W – Thiago Tavares (KO)

How did these two get here?

Michael Johnson made his way to the UFC like many before him: as a contestant on the Ultimate Fighter. Johnson was rejected on two previous tryouts (audition?) before finally making it onto the twelfth season. After defeating Pablo Garza to get into the house, Johnson became the top pick for Georges St. Pierre. He lost to teammate Jonathan Brookins in the finale. Since then he’s gone 1-1 in the promotion and has at times demonstrated an amazing level of athleticism and toughness.

Shane Roller became a UFC fighter after the WEC merger. A member of Team Takedown, Roller was a three-time All-American at Oklahoma State University. After a 6-2 run in the WEC, he made his UFC debut with a stunning win over Thiago Tavares. Unfortunately, he has been finished in his last two fights.

Why should you care?

While neither fighter will be in title contention in the immediate future, both possess the skill-set to make a run at the mid-tier level. Roller is a knockout threat and Johnson is a young fighter with loads of potential which makes this an exciting matchup on paper.

More UFC on Fox 2 preview coverage from Bloody Elbow after the jump.

SBN coverage of UFC on Fox 2