Jose Johnson, a fighter who has participated in the Contender Series twice, will finally step into the UFC octagon for the first time. He has accepted a short-notice bout against Da’Mon Blackshear, scheduled as part of the UFC Vegas 78 event on Saturday.
The alteration in the lineup was revealed by UFC officials, prompted by Brady Hiestand being unable to compete due to a medical concern. Johnson, with an overall record of 15 wins and 7 losses, is taking Hiestand’s place. He is currently on a three-fight winning streak.
In his initial appearance on The Contender Series in 2020, Johnson fell short. However, he returned in August of the following year, securing a unanimous decision victory over Jack Cartwright. After joining the UFC roster, Johnson encountered setbacks with two fight cancellations in 2022 and 2023 due to personal injuries.
Johnson now faces the challenge of claiming his first UFC victory, taking the fight on just four days’ notice for the event happening at the UFC APEX in Las Vegas on Saturday.
As for Blackshear, he aims to secure his second consecutive win in the UFC. He achieved a second-round knockout against Luan Lacerda in his most recent bout in June. Prior to this victory, Blackshear experienced a decision loss in his UFC debut against Farid Basharat.
The Blackshear vs. Johnson match joins the lineup of UFC Vegas 78, where the main event will feature a welterweight clash between former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and Vicente Luque.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about UFC debut
Who is Jose Johnson and who is he facing at UFC Vegas 78?
Jose Johnson, a two-time Contender Series veteran, is making his UFC octagon debut. He’s facing Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC Vegas 78.
Why was there a change in the fight lineup for UFC Vegas 78?
Brady Hiestand was forced off the card due to a medical issue, leading to Jose Johnson stepping in to face Da’Mon Blackshear.
What is Jose Johnson’s recent record?
Jose Johnson has a 15-7 overall record and is currently on a three-fight win streak.
What happened in Johnson’s previous appearances in the Contender Series?
Johnson fell short in his first appearance on The Contender Series in 2020, but he returned in August the following year to secure a win over Jack Cartwright.
Why did Johnson’s previous fights get canceled?
Johnson had two fights canceled in 2022 and 2023 due to his own injuries.
What challenge does Johnson face in his upcoming fight?
Johnson is stepping up on just four days’ notice to compete against Da’Mon Blackshear at UFC Vegas 78, aiming to secure his first UFC win.
What is Da’Mon Blackshear’s recent UFC performance?
Blackshear scored a second-round knockout over Luan Lacerda in his most recent appearance in June, seeking his second straight win in the UFC.
Who is headlining the UFC Vegas 78 event?
The event will be headlined by a welterweight showdown between former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos and Vicente Luque.
More about UFC debut
- Jose Johnson’s Contender Series Profile
- Da’Mon Blackshear’s Recent UFC Performance
- UFC Vegas 78 Event Details
- Rafael dos Anjos vs. Vicente Luque Fight Preview
