Johnson overcomes Zhang via split decision in UFC Fight Night Manila

Despite being known as a striker, Kajan Johnson effectively used his wrestling skills to get a unanimous decision victory over Zhang Lipeng in their lightweight match in the UFC Fight Night Manila: Edgar vs. Faber Saturday evening at Mall of Asia Arena.

The judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 all in favor of Johnson as the Canadian improved to 20-12-11 while Lipeng fell to 9-9-1.

Johnson looked to crank up Zhang’s arm in the first round but the Chinese transitioned to get out of the hold.

In the third round, just before the bell, Johnson had isolated Zhang’s leg but couldn’t get a good enough hold.