Kajan Johnson returned after a near two year absence to get a knockout win over Adriano Martins in the first fight of the UFC 215 card.
Johnson believes he was competing in the first fight of the card because the UFC is punishing him for speaking up at the UFC fighters retreat.
“When I saw that, I knew right away they were trying to send a message,” Johnson told MMA Fighting. “You look all up and down the card, and see some of the guys who are placed higher and there’s no doubt they’re looking to put me in my place.”
The fighter may have raised the ire of the UFC during the summer, but he was also quick to praise a new fighter incentive plan that should be announced shortly.
Despite his placement on the card, the lightweight contender doesn’t regret opening his mouth or speaking his mind.
“I’ve said stuff that need to be said,” Johnson said. “Someone needs to do it. I talk a lot, I’m not afraid to express myself and I don’t want to be the type of person who goes through life regretting the fact I didn’t stand up for myself. I might not be the guy who gets this over the finish line, but at least I’ve helped get the ball rolling.”
Even though he has supposedly been punished by the UFC, the lightweight fighter has now earned three straight wins in the promotion.
