Chanti Johnson, a former Kirkland resident, will step into the cage on Saturday, Feb. 25 at Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma for CageSport XVIII starting at 7 p.m.
Johnson will take on Ryan Mulvihill, of Spokane, in the co-featured bout Saturday. Johnson has a 7-4 record in the cage, while Mulvihill is 4-2.
Johnson, originally from New York, got his start back east, but moved west when he decided to pursue mixed martial arts more seriously, as MMA fighting is illegal in New York.
“I was always competitive growing up,” said Johnson. “Ever since I saw Maurice Smith in UFC 14 (I was interested in MMA). At the time it wasn’t legal in New York, it still isn’t actually, so I moved out here.”
Johnson trained for a while with the White Buffalo Warriors in Kirkland, but has since moved on, now training with the Ivan Salaverry MMA gym in Seattle.
Johnson said right now he has been focused on training, several hours a day, especially ahead of Saturday’s event. He added speed and being well-rounded are his biggest assets.
“I have speed and I think being well-rounded – boxing, jiu jitsu and wrestling,” said Johnson of his strengths. While some fighters are more solid on their feet, or on the mat, Johnson said he feels comfortable wherever the fight goes.
“I think I expect to get taken down,” said Johnson of what he’s preparing for on Saturday. “Whenever you don’t think you will, you do and you don’t want that to be a surprise. My main thing is I’m comfortable wherever it goes.”
Johnson said he knows his opponent on Saturday is a solid wrestler.
“Ryan, he’s a good wrestler,” said Johnson. “He’s a tough guy and it’s going to be a good match. Everyone knows I have an exciting style.”
A point of emphasis for Johnson will be trying to keep it out of the judges hands on Saturday – ideally going for the victory himself.
“I want it to be judged correctly. I know people say don’t leave it to the judges, but sometimes you can’t help that,” said Johnson.
Tickets for Saturday’s event are $35 and can be purchased at www.emeraldqueen.com.
