Tap or Scrap 12: Isaiah Gonzales vs. Gregory “Uncle Greg” Johnson Set for Featherweight Showdown in Victoria

In what promises to be one of the most anticipated amateur matchups of the year, two rising talents in the regional MMA scene—Isaiah Gonzales and Gregory “Uncle Greg” Johnson—will battle for the featherweight title at Tap or Scrap 12 on August 1st in Victoria, Texas.

For Cuero native Isaiah Gonzales, this is more than just a title fight—it’s a full-circle moment. “The reason why—cause I mean I’m gonna give y’all a show that you’re always gonna remember. So coming into this fight I’m super excited, I’m stoked, and I can’t wait till everyone sees the fight.”

Isaiah’s journey began just two years ago when he stumbled into martial arts while trying to find his purpose. “I’m actually from a small town from Cuero, Texas. I started fighting at least two years ago—I was just trying to figure out my life and I never thought being an MMA fighter would actually change that. And then ever since then, it’s been history, and now I’m fighting for the title.”

Consistency, he says, is key. “Being more consistent—and plus the more you train every day, the more you learn so many things. I just like to be consistent, cause if I take at least one week off it’s like downhill and I get all like, ‘Whoa, what do I do again?’”

At House of Jiu Jitsu in San Antonio, Isaiah has found not only a gym, but a second home and a chance to be a leader. “It’s like really amazing in my eyes. And plus, I’m a coach as well for little kids, so like every time I go in, it’s like ‘What’s up Coach Isaiah, Coach this, Coach that,’ and seeing all my other teammates as well—it just feels like home.”

Despite his momentum and growing skill set, Isaiah is keeping his next move in check. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do, but at the end of the day I’m going to ask my coaches and see what they think about it, cause I can say I want to go pro but I usually go to my coaches first before I make that next decision.”

The fight itself carries an extra layer of tension—he’s stepping into hostile territory. “His name’s Uncle Greg—that’s his nickname. I got no bad blood against him or anything like that. He’s a well-known good opponent. I know he’s fought a lot of good people and he likes to bang, and I’ll be like, ‘Okay, you like to bang? Bang with you too.’ So all I got to say is just let the hands talk.”

“I mean it feels like—I feel like a villain too. Like at the same time, I used to be in that area too, so imma take back what’s mine.”

Standing in his way is Gregory “Uncle Greg” Johnson, fighting out of Victoria and ranked #24 among amateur featherweights in the U.S. Southwest region. A coast guard veteran and striking specialist, Johnson is ready to defend his turf.

“You’re going to see some good technique when it comes to my striking,” said Johnson. “I’m not too wild. I’m a little bit more controlled than others—I like to pick my shots a lot more. I’m not just going to go out there and wing it and be a brawler and sloppy.”

Fighting in front of a hometown crowd gives Johnson a comfort few fighters experience. “It’s cool—it’s actually my fifth fight out here in Victoria or the Victoria-Port Lavaca area. I only live about what, half a mile away from the venue. I mean, if I wanted to I could walk back home if I need to.”

Johnson first started training at age 21, and while life led him to the Coast Guard, the fire to fight never left. “The ultimate goal is going pro. I’m 37 now… Maybe after this one I might be taking one or two more amateur fights and then ideally going pro. But the big thing is I want to make sure that I do everything right leading up to the pro debut so that I’m ready.”

This fight has personal weight too. “I just want to be able to thank my sponsors… and I also want to thank my team and my coach Brandon Wakefield, Josh Richards, and everybody else that comes out there and helps me get to this fight… The team to me is the most important thing when it comes to going out there and competing.”

From Cuero to San Antonio to Victoria, this title fight is a collision of two men with everything to gain, and everything on the line.

As Isaiah Gonzales put it: “Imma go on in and show the world who I am.”

Tap or Scrap 12 is going down Friday, August 1st, 2025, live from the Victoria Community Center in Victoria, Texas. Catch all the action in person or stream it online at clearlifemedia.com. Get your tickets at taporscrapmma.com!