Aaron Johnson

Aaron Johnson relocated to the Southwest United States around 2019, establishing his training base primarily in New Mexico. He quickly integrated into the local grappling community, training extensively at prominent Gracie Barra academies, particularly in Albuquerque and El Paso, Texas. Johnson regularly sharpens his skills alongside elite grapplers such as Rafael 'Barata' Freitas, Roberto 'Tussa' Alencar, and 'Frisco' de Leon, each significantly contributing to his technical growth and competitive mindset.

Despite consistently training under the Gracie Barra banner, Johnson represented Ribeiro Jiu-Jitsu Academy at the 2019 IBJJF World Championship. This unique arrangement arose from a personal invitation extended by legendary competitor and coach Saulo Ribeiro. Johnson prepared for the event in New Mexico alongside his Gracie Barra teammates, exemplifying a rare scenario in which an athlete trains with one academy while officially competing for another.

Submission Victory Over Felipe Pena

Johnson's competitive career features several standout performances, notably his remarkable upset at Kasai Pro 5 in 2019. Facing reigning ADCC absolute champion Felipe 'Preguiça' Pena, Johnson aggressively attacked with his signature leglock game, securing a heel hook submission in approximately 90 seconds. This victory not only propelled him into the event's final but also significantly elevated his standing within the grappling community.

Decision Win Against Rafael Lovato Jr.

In 2020, Johnson added another prestigious victory to his record at Fight To Win 151, defeating grappling legend Rafael Lovato Jr.. Throughout the match, Johnson relentlessly pursued leglock submissions, ultimately earning a decision victory by being the only competitor to effectively threaten a finish.

Additional Notable Wins

Johnson's resume also includes submission victories over elite grapplers such as former UFC and BJJ standout Davi Ramos and accomplished IBJJF competitor Jackson Sousa. These wins further solidify his reputation as a formidable and dangerous competitor.

In 2022, Johnson filed a groundbreaking lawsuit against Orlando Sanchez, FloGrappling, and an event referee following an illegal slam incident at a WNO event. According to court filings, Johnson sustained a severe back injury from the slam, potentially jeopardizing his ability to continue competing professionally. The lawsuit garnered significant attention within the grappling community, sparking discussions about competitor safety, event oversight, and athlete protection.

Aaron Johnson is widely recognized as one of grappling's most feared leglock specialists. His aggressive, submission-focused style prominently features heel hooks and other leg attacks, making him a constant threat to even the most elite competitors. Johnson's technical proficiency and tactical approach to leg entanglements extend beyond grappling competitions; notably, he holds the record for the fastest submission victory in Bellator MMA history, securing a leglock submission in just 15 seconds. This achievement underscores Johnson's exceptional skill and effectiveness in applying leg-based submissions across multiple combat sports disciplines.