UFC Raleigh: A Long-Awaited Return to Action for Brett Johns

UFC Raleigh: A Long-Awaited Return to Action for Brett Johns

By James Lee

Saturday night presents a return to action for Welsh MMA star Brett Johns.

For the first time in his career, Johns is looking to break a losing streak, which details itself back to April 2018. Albeit, his two losses have come to some of the very best in the bantamweight division.

His first professional defeat came to Aljamain Sterling, who looks likely to challenge for a title in the near future. The American has always been tipped for greatness since his early beginning in the sport so the loss wasn’t too damaging for Johns.

The second loss against Pedro Munhoz was the damaging one. Not just on his career.

In particular, he showed immense heart to stay in the contest throughout, despite constant power and pressure from his Brazilian counterpart.

By the time his fight in North Carolina takes place on Saturday, it will have been over 17 months since his last appearance. A knee injury sidelined him for an extended period and stalling his career progression.

A return to his title winning days in Cage Warriors and his early UFC success will surely resurrect his hype and mainstream media attention from his home country.

The sport in the UK, especially Wales, is thriving on a new level to anything prior. Johns will continue to be a significant part of that providing he succeeds in Raleigh.

The Welshman is currently scheduled to compete in the second fight of the night, which makes his expected walkout time 10:30pm BST.