MHS graduate and current Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) fighter, Michael Johnson made visits to the Marquette Wrestling Room two weeks ago to prepare wrestlers for State. Jim Kremer, assistant wrestling coach, was Johnson’s freshman coach.

“He was a very tough, hard-nosed kid and was able to qualify for State once,” Kremer said.

Kremer said that Johnson came to help the wrestlers prepare for the state competition.

“The wrestlers loved him and we would love to have him back,” Kremer said.

Wrestler and State qualifier, Brett Stoffel, sophomore, said all the wrestlers really benefited from Johnson helping them.

“It was cool,” Stoffel said. “We all got his autograph and he showed us some new workouts and holds.”

Stoffel said Johnson started Ultimate Fighting only three years ago and came in second place on the twelfth season of “The Ultimate Fighter” television show.

Wrestler Brendan Lay said Johnson helped him with his training techniques.

“[Johnson] taught us some takedowns and a lot of conditioning drills,” Lay said, “He was a really nice guy and pumped everybody up for State.”

Wrestler Joaquin Buckley received a victory at state in his first year qualifying, and three time state qualifier Tommy Makowsky placed 6th in the 132 lb. weight class according to the Marquette Wrestling website.

Michael “The Menace” Johnson has an 11-6 record in the lightweight class according to the UFC website. Johnson’s fighting style is composed of 75% striking with 25% take-downs, which makes him more of a fighter than a wrestler.