A thrilling comeback victory unfolded at UFC Perth this past Saturday, as Schultz defeated Johnston in a fight marked by a dramatic shift in momentum.

Early Dominance by Johnston

Johnston initially controlled the first two rounds, earning the judges’ favor with a strong performance. He dictated the pace and effectively utilized his striking, while Schultz struggled to find his footing.

Schultz repeatedly attempted submissions on the ground, but Johnston skillfully defended, preventing him from gaining a decisive advantage during the first ten minutes of the bout.

Dramatic Third-Round Turnaround

The tide turned dramatically in the third round when Schultz, nicknamed “Party Time,” executed a perfectly timed guillotine choke.

After returning Johnston’s mouthpiece, Schultz intensified his pressure, relentlessly pursuing the submission. Johnston was unable to withstand the pressure and was forced to submit, securing Schultz a remarkable come-from-behind victory.

Schultz Reflects on Performance

Following the fight, Schultz candidly admitted to a lapse in focus during the initial rounds, stating he hadn’t fully heeded his coaches’ advice. He initially intended to ease into the fight, conserving energy and waiting for the opportune moment.

“Taking away from this–keeping my fight clean, maybe putting a little more effort in the first couple of rounds, listening to my coaches. I could hear them, mentally I was really focused, I was just physically out of focus,” Schultz stated.

He confessed to consciously delaying full engagement, believing he would eventually find an opening for a submission, and acknowledged his luck that the strategy ultimately worked.

Career Record and Recent Inactivity

Schultz’s record now stands at 9-3, with six of his nine career victories coming by way of submission. This victory is particularly significant considering his recent inactivity.

The 35-year-old hadn’t competed since 2024, dedicating his time to coaching before accepting a short-notice opportunity to make his UFC debut at Perth. The win demonstrates his ability to perform at a high level despite time away from active competition.

The event also featured other notable performances and discussions, including Jacob Malkoun’s assessment of his own performance and insights into the strategies of fighters like Gadzhi Rabadanov and Leandro Higo.