Demetrious Johnson is truly one of one
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MMA fans cannot talk about the greatest of all time without putting Demetrious Johnson’s name in the conversation. The former UFC flyweight champion has heard the words “and still” more than any other champion, current or past.
“Mighty Mouse” captured the inaugural UFC flyweight title in 2012 and his reign spanned from 2012 to 2016. In the process, he set the record for most consecutive UFC title defenses at 11… A record that most likely will never be broken.
Not many fighters in history have a more well-rounded skillset, coupled with the same level of expertise and technique as Johnson. His freestyle wrestling background, along with the way he darts in and out of range to score with explosive double leg takedowns or land slick inside combinations.
Known to be one of the fastest MMA fighters ever, Johnson uses his quick feet to speedily glide out of his opponents’ reach after exchanges.
The Trade & Unmatched Accolades
After his lone defeat at flyweight, a paper-thin split decision versus Henry Cejudo (which is still heavily debated), he was traded from UFC to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. It was the first trade of fighters ever in the sport that were under contract with rival promotions.
Upon arriving in ONE, “Mighty Mouse” would win the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Championship in October 2019 by defeating Yuya Wakamatsu, Tatsumitsu Wada, and Danny Kingad.
He would suffer a devastating defeat to Adriano Moraes, in his first chance to win the ONE flyweight title. Johnson struggled with Moraes’ height and reach advantage, which led to him being KO’d in the second round. He is preparing to challenge for the ONE Flyweight title again on August 26.
(Note: UFC flyweight division is set at 125 lbs while ONE flyweight division is contested at 135 lbs).
Whether or not he claims the belt, Johnson is interested in testing his individual skill sets against the best fighters in the world. He long flirted with the idea of a kickboxing bout… And reminded the MMA world of his greatness when he defeated Rodtang Jitmuangnon in the first-ever special-rules bout. The contest featured alternating rounds of Muay Thai and MMA.
ONE ruled that the first round would be Muay Thai, where Rodtang opened the fight aggressively. The next round, which was MMA, was dominated by the former UFC champion. Johnson landed a takedown, took Rodtang’s back, and locked in a rear naked choke for the win.
“Mighty Mouse” has the most consecutive UFC title defenses, was part of the first-ever
MMA trade, and part of the first-ever special rules fight. The resume and accolades speak for themselves. But simply put, Demetrious Johnson is one of one…
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