2010 BCMMAA.com interview
"I am starting a movement. UFC 174 will be coming to Vancouver on June 14 and I fully expect to see the likes of Rory MacDonald and a few other Canadians on the card. But one warrior who should also be involved is “Ragin” Kajan Johnson (19-10-1). He has been a big part of the latest Ultimate Fighter reality show TUF Nations: Canada vs. Australia seen on Wednesdays via Sportsnet360.
The Burns Lake, B.C. native was my pick to win the show, but unfortunately was knocked out by teammate and friend Chad Laprise (7-0) in the semifinals. Don’t get me started on how Team Canada coach Patrick Cote dropped the ball in his handling of two good friends and Tristar training partners fighting each other, but I digress.
Laprise came over the top with a vicious right that landed flush on Johnson’s jaw. The sound still resonates with a pop. Johnson fell to the mat and the fight was stopped. There was no real cheering from the fighters who witnessed one of the most brutal and heartbreaking knockouts in TUF history.
Johnson’s jaw was broken and as blood poured out of his mouth and tears flowed from his eyes the only thing that he could spit out was, “I just didn’t want to go through this again. I didn’t want my face to break again. I didn’t want to lose the biggest fight of my life … It’s just another test. I just don’t know why I’m tested so much.”
Months later, it appears Johnson is healed up and ready to fight.
“If there is one thing I’m great at it’s overcoming adversity,” Johnson told MMASucka.com. “Not only do I now have a titanium jaw I also have Wolverine’s mutant healing powers. I’m about to mount the biggest comeback you’ve ever seen. It’s my time.”
The 29-year-old MMA veteran wants his moment to be in his hometown of Vancouver in front of his family, friends and fans.
“I need to be on the 174 card. Van city needs a hero, someone to put the city on his back and climb to the top of the game,” Johnson said. “I want to be that person. I want to show every kid that came up in B.C. that we can do anything we put our minds to.”
It would be an absolute marketing miss if the UFC does not grant Johnson his shot in front of his hometown."
By Trevor Dueck, 24 hours Vancouver Follow Trevor @TrevDueck.
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