On a memorable night at UFC Fight Night Tampa, Moroccan fighter Ottman Azaitar suffered a crushing defeat at the hands of veteran Michael Johnson, who managed to end the fight with a stunning KO in the second round. The fight, held at the Amalie Arena, added another loss to Azaitar’s streak of failures, raising questions about his future in the world of mixed martial arts.
The Fight: Johnson Dominates
In the first round, the fight seemed evenly matched, with Azaitar attempting to exploit his power in boxing. However, Johnson, known for his extensive experience and impressive record, began to take control by the end of the round, giving the impression that things weren’t going in the Moroccan’s favor.
Entering the second round, it became clear that Azaitar lacked a backup plan when facing a fighter with tactical skills and long experience like Johnson.
Michael Johnson knocks out Othman Azaitar with a spectacular KO! 🔥
Johnson needed only moments to finish Azaitar.
An impressive performance that left Azaitar unable to respond to Johnson's power. pic.twitter.com/BsIn49dM2K
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) December 15, 2024
The KO, which came from Johnson’s powerful right hand, left no room for doubt. Azaitar dropped to the ground in a concerning manner, followed by several heavy punches before the referee intervened to stop the fight.
Ottman Azaitar: A Streak of Failures
Ottman Azaitar, once considered one of the rising talents in the UFC’s lightweight division, is going through a tough period. After an impressive start and an undefeated career, he suffered his first loss in 2021. Since then, he hasn’t been able to regain his form, losing three consecutive fights, including this latest one against Johnson.
Off the cage, Azaitar has been associated with several controversial incidents, most notably the infamous suitcase incident during UFC 257, which led to the cancellation of his fight against Matt Frevola and his suspension after violating COVID-19 protocols by smuggling a suitcase into his hotel room with the help of a teammate. These events have cast a shadow on his career and reputation, making his return to the top more difficult.
Is it Time for Retirement?
At 34 years old, with a streak of failures, it seems that Azaitar is facing a difficult choice. Continuing his career could mean more losses that would negatively affect his sports legacy, while retiring now might be a wise decision to preserve his dignity after giving his best.
Questions That Arise:
- Does Azaitar have the ability to rebuild himself and return to his previous level?
- Should he consider changing his training team or combat strategy?
- Or is it time to step aside for those better prepared to compete at this high level?
What’s Next for Ottman Azaitar?
While Michael Johnson showed that age and experience can be real assets, Azaitar needs to reassess his options. Retiring now might be the best decision to avoid further decline.
Fans and analysts are waiting for an answer from “The Bulldozer.” Will he announce the end of his career, or will he return for one last fight to prove himself? The coming days will reveal the truth.