Timothy Johnson Bio
Timothy Johnson is an American mixed martial artist competing in the Heavyweight division since 2010. Known for his tenure in major promotions like the UFC and Bellator MMA, Johnson has built a professional career marked by resilience and notable victories across multiple organizations.
Early Life and Background
Born on March 13, 1985, in Lamberton, Minnesota, United States, Timothy Johnson developed his athletic foundation in the Midwest. He pursued higher education at Minnesota State University Moorhead, where he excelled as a two-time All-American wrestler at the Division II level. This wrestling background laid the groundwork for his transition into mixed martial arts.
Johnson’s early exposure to competitive wrestling provided him with critical grappling skills and discipline, essential for his future MMA career. His collegiate success helped him gain confidence and experience in combat sports before turning professional.
Path to MMA
After completing his collegiate wrestling career, Johnson made his professional mixed martial arts debut in October 2010. He initially competed in regional organizations primarily around North Dakota, where he quickly established himself by finishing all but one of his first eight opponents. This impressive start earned him a contract with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) following a first-round finish of Travis Wiuff in October 2014.
Johnson’s early achievements in regional circuits demonstrated his potential and readiness for higher-level competition. His wrestling foundation combined with evolving striking and submission skills facilitated his rise through the MMA ranks.
Timothy Johnson Career
Early Career (2010–2014)
Johnson’s professional career began with a strong record of 7–1, showcasing his ability to finish fights decisively. His performances in regional promotions highlighted his knockout power and submission capabilities, with six wins by knockout and three by submission overall. This period was crucial for his development and visibility in the MMA community.
During these formative years, Johnson honed his skills and gained valuable fight experience, preparing him for the challenges of competing on larger stages. His success caught the attention of major promotions, culminating in his signing with the UFC in 2014.
Ultimate Fighting Championship Breakthrough (2014–2018)
Johnson debuted in the UFC on April 4, 2015, against Shamil Abdurakhimov, securing a TKO victory in the final seconds of the first round. This win marked a strong start to his UFC tenure. Throughout his UFC career, Johnson faced a range of opponents, including Jared Rosholt, Marcin Tybura, Alexander Volkov, and Daniel Omielańczuk, compiling notable wins and close decisions.
Despite some setbacks, such as a controversial split decision loss to Volkov and a TKO defeat by Júnior Albini, Johnson demonstrated resilience and skill. His last UFC fight was a unanimous decision win over Marcelo Golm in February 2018. After his contract ended, the UFC chose not to renew it, leading Johnson to explore other opportunities.
Bellator MMA Era (2018–2023)
In April 2018, Johnson signed a multi-fight contract with Bellator MMA. He debuted against Cheick Kongo at Bellator 208 but suffered a first-round knockout loss. Johnson rebounded with a first-round knockout win over Tyrell Fortune at Bellator 239 and a technical knockout victory against Matt Mitrione at Bellator 243.
Johnson avenged his earlier loss to Kongo with a split-decision win at Bellator 248. He challenged Valentin Moldavsky for the Bellator Interim Heavyweight World Championship at Bellator 261 but lost by unanimous decision. Subsequent bouts included a knockout loss to Fedor Emelianenko and a TKO defeat by Linton Vassell. Johnson secured a unanimous decision win over Said Sowma at Bellator 294 in 2023.
Post-Bellator and Karate Combat (2024–Present)
Johnson headlined XFC 50 in April 2024, winning by first-round technical knockout. He also competed in Karate Combat’s 8-man “Last Man Standing” heavyweight tournament in July 2025, where he achieved a first-round knockout win before losing by technical knockout in the subsequent bout.
In 2024 and 2025, Johnson participated in the Professional Fighters League (PFL) Heavyweight tournaments, securing a first-round TKO win over Danilo Marques but facing several submission and TKO losses in later rounds. He continues to compete actively in the heavyweight division.
Driving Style and Strengths
Timothy Johnson combines a strong wrestling base with knockout power and submission skills. His reach of 198 cm and height of 191 cm provide him with physical advantages in striking exchanges. Johnson’s ability to finish fights both standing and on the ground makes him a versatile and dangerous competitor in the heavyweight division.
Notable Events and Milestones
Johnson’s career highlights include his UFC debut TKO win, avenging a loss to Cheick Kongo in Bellator, and competing for the Bellator Interim Heavyweight World Championship. His participation in multiple major MMA organizations and tournaments reflects his persistence and adaptability in a highly competitive sport.
Timothy Johnson Career Wins
Throughout his professional MMA career, Timothy Johnson has amassed 18 wins out of 30 fights. His victories include six by knockout, three by submission, and three by decision, showcasing a well-rounded skill set capable of ending fights in various ways.
UFC Highlights
Johnson’s UFC tenure featured significant wins, including a first-round TKO in his debut and a unanimous decision over Marcelo Golm. Despite some close losses, his performances against top heavyweight contenders established him as a formidable competitor in the organization.
Bellator and Other Performances
In Bellator, Johnson recorded notable wins over Tyrell Fortune and Matt Mitrione, along with a split-decision victory against Cheick Kongo. His participation in Karate Combat and the PFL further demonstrates his commitment to competing at high levels across different combat sports platforms.
Timothy Johnson Family
Personal Life
Timothy Johnson resides in Las Vegas, Nevada. Details about his family, including spouse and children, are not publicly disclosed. His focus remains primarily on his professional fighting career.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, Johnson continues to compete actively, including participation in the PFL Heavyweight Tournament and Karate Combat events. His season includes a mix of victories and setbacks, reflecting the challenges of maintaining elite performance in the heavyweight division. Johnson’s experience and resilience position him as a persistent contender aiming to capitalize on upcoming opportunities in the sport.