The lightweight clash between UFC veteran Michael Johnson and rising prospect Daniel Zellhuber opens the main card of UFC 318: Holloway vs. Poirier 3, taking place on July 19, 2025, at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans. It's a classic matchup of experience vs. youth, an aging striker with explosive hands versus a younger, rangier fighter with momentum and upside.

Michael Johnson

Michael "The Menace" Johnson is one of the longest-tenured lightweights in UFC history, known for his lightning-fast hands and ability to test even the division’s elite. A professional since 2008 and The Ultimate Fighter season 12 runner-up, Johnson has shared the Octagon with a who’s-who of legends including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Nate Diaz, Dustin Poirier, and Justin Gaethje.

Johnson owns a pro record of 23–19, with 10 KOs and 11 decision wins. He’s notoriously inconsistent, but still dangerous, his 2024 KO of Ottman Azaitar showed that his speed and power haven’t completely faded. However, Johnson is vulnerable on the mat, having been submitted 9 times, and his durability has waned in recent years.

Michael Johnson – Last 5 Fights:

1. Win vs. Ottman Azaitar – KO (Punch) (UFC on ESPN, Dec 14, 2024)
2. Win vs. Darrius Flowers – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, Feb 10, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Diego Ferreira – KO (Punch) (UFC Fight Night, May 20, 2023)
4. Win vs. Marc Diakiese – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC on ESPN, Dec 3, 2022)
5. Loss vs. Jamie Mullarkey – Decision (Split) (UFC on ESPN, July 9, 2022)

Daniel Zellhuber

Daniel "Golden Boy" Zellhuber is one of the brightest young prospects in the lightweight division. At 25 years old, the tall and technical Mexican fighter stands 6'1" with a 77" reach, long and tricky for a lightweight. With a professional record of 15–2, including 7 KOs and 3 submissions, Zellhuber has a diverse arsenal and a creative, high-volume striking style.

Zellhuber’s most recent outing was a split decision loss to Esteban Ribovics in a wild, back-and-forth battle that earned Fight of the Night. Still, he has wins over veterans like Christos Giagos and Lando Vannata and continues to show signs of improvement in his grappling defense and octagon composure.

Daniel Zellhuber – Last 5 Fights:

1. Loss vs. Esteban Ribovics – Decision (Split) (UFC 306, Sep 14, 2024)
2. Win vs. Francisco Prado – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, Feb 24, 2024)
3. Win vs. Christos Giagos – Submission (Anaconda Choke) (UFC Fight Night, Sep 16, 2023)
4. Win vs. Lando Vannata – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC on ESPN, Apr 15, 2023)
5. Loss vs. Trey Ogden – Decision (Unanimous) (UFC Fight Night, Sep 17, 2022)

Prediction

This is a dangerous fight for both men, but for different reasons. Johnson’s experience, hand speed, and counter-punching can expose any defensive holes in Zellhuber’s long-range striking, especially early. But Zellhuber’s size, youth, durability, and improved grappling give him the tools to overwhelm Johnson over three rounds.

If Johnson can't find an early knockout or turn this into a boxing match, Zellhuber’s reach and pressure will likely wear him down. Given Johnson’s history of fading or getting caught, and Zellhuber’s growing fight IQ, the smart money is on the younger fighter to weather the storm and take over late.

Prediction:
Daniel Zellhuber def. Michael Johnson via Decision (Unanimous).

Expect Johnson to have moments early with his speed and boxing, but Zellhuber’s pressure, length, and activity should allow him to pull away and win two of the three rounds on the scorecards.