Klimenko: Johnson's durability at DMMA 204 "was weird"

Fighter profile of Zachary Klimenko by Chris Karter

LOS ANGELES – Zachary Klimenko thinks he’s cleaned out the DMMA middleweight division and is now considering a move up to face the big boys after DMMA 204.

Klimenko (15-3 MMA, 8-1 DMMA) put on a masterclass this weekend when he dominated Kareem Johnson (18-9 MMA, 17-7 DMMA) for almost five full rounds to win a lopsided victory in their main event showdown. It was his first official title defense.

The 28-year-old won the 185-pound middleweight belt prior to defeating Johnson, and he's defeated all the most notable contenders in his division – some twice. Because of that, Klimenko is mulling a jump to light heavyweight where he could face greater challenges. “I am one of the best middleweights in the world,” Klimenko told Tycoon Times and other reporters through an interpreter post-fight at DMMA 204. “I don’t think there’s any challenge for me in the middleweight division, so I may try myself in light heavyweight division now, because there’s no one else to fight there.”

Klimenko had his way with Johnson in the cage at DMMA 204. Although the challenger was arguably beyond his prime at 30 years old, Johnson’s power and athleticism makes him a danger in any fight. He only had a few small moments over 25 minutes, though, and that was because Klimenko was overwhelming with his pace, pressure and output. The champion landed some clean and powerful shots on multiple occasions, and he admits to be being stunned not only by Johnson’s ability to take damage, but the fact he would try to taunt him. “I was surprised about his head,” Klimenko said. “It’s really strong. There was a lot of great shots that I landed that I felt through the glove. It was kind of weird that he didn’t get injured until the end or anything. At the end of the rounds I thought I got him, but then I understood he was acting.” Before he makes any firm decisions on his future, though, Klimenko said he wants to relish beating Johnson, who he has admired for years. “I’m very happy about this win,” Klimenko said. “It was very important to me. He’s a great fighter. He’s a chinny bum. He’s not an Olympian, so to win over somebody like him who was fighting with a lot of great fighters, top fighters, it means a lot to me.”

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