UFC 330: Donte Johnson sees 170 move after McConico knockout

Donte Johnson improved to 9-0 with a knockout of Eric McConico at UFC 330 and believes he can eventually compete at 170 pounds. The middleweight also apologised after accidentally striking the referee during the stoppage.

Johnson absorbed punishment before ending the fight, including an elbow and several other clean shots. He said the decisive body kick gave him the opening to commit fully and finish the contest.

The final blow came after the knockout had effectively been secured. As the referee moved in to stop the action, Johnson’s back elbow landed on him. Johnson treated the incident as an accident and offered to buy the official a cheesesteak as an apology.

The unbeaten fighter also outlined an ambitious plan for his career. He wants to win titles at middleweight, move down to welterweight, and then compete for a light heavyweight belt.

Johnson said making the 170-pound limit should be achievable. During the latest camp, he reached 181 pounds on the day before weigh-ins while remaining clear-headed and physically well, although he said he had not been that light since childhood.

If reducing his weight requires losing muscle, Johnson said he would approach that process deliberately. He indicated that his training would need to change and that he would have to monitor his body closely rather than attempt the cut carelessly.

The victory keeps Johnson unbeaten at 9-0 and gives him further momentum after his first contest at UFC 330. His comments now place a possible welterweight move alongside his immediate standing as a middleweight knockout winner.