What Challenges are Left For Demetrious Johnson?

Demetrious Johnson wants to prove he can be much more than a mixed martial arts fighter. While Johnson is still the ONE flyweight champion, MMAfighting latest news shows that he isn’t eager to jump right back in the cage. Johnson, 38, would like to take on challenges that are new and exciting to him.

During Johnson’s MMA career, there isn’t much that Johnson hasn’t accomplished. He set the UFC record for most consecutive title defenses. Johnson ruled the flyweight division from 2008 to 2016, defending his belt 11 times.

Johnson had a falling out with UFC CEO Dana White over pay. He was then involved in one of the more unique personnel situations in MMA history. Johnson was traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren. While the trade was unorthodox, it benefited Johnson by opening him up to a new worldwide audience.

But Johnson hasn’t competed since May 2023. With the future uncertain, here’s a look into where Johnson could go next. Johnson’s career is in his hands. He is keeping his mind open to all opportunities but knows his time in combat sports is short.

Johnson’s Peers Haven’t Forgotten Him

Johnson may have told Quinton “Rampage” Jackson that MMA isn’t on his mind. However, the best MMA news sites show that many of Johnson’s potential opponents in ONE haven’t forgotten about him. Jared Brooks recently called out Johnson following his win in an interim title fight.

There are many people in ONE who would benefit from taking on a top-tier opponent like Johnson. Johnson is 5-1 in ONE since joining the promotion in 2019. He fought in a trilogy with Adriano Moraes in his last three fights in ONE.

ONE May Be the Best Place for Different Thinking

If Johnson desires to compete in combat sports but doesn’t want to take the traditional route, ONE has been willing to put fighters into different competitions. Unlike the UFC, which only sanctions MMA fights, ONE has a wide variety of competitions for fighters to compete in.

In addition to MMA, which is actually a minor part of what they do, ONE puts on fights in submission grappling, kickboxing, and Muay Thai. During a ONE event in 2022, MMA breaking news shows that Johnson took on Muay Thai star Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a mixed-rules fight. The first round was Muay Thai, while the second round was MMA.

Johnson was able to stay on his feet and not get knocked out in the Muay Thai. In the second round, Johnson dragged Rodtang down into his world and was able to wrap up an efficient submission victory.

Return to UFC is Unlikely

Johnson believes that the UFC never appreciated the flyweight division. During one particularly ugly negotiating session, Johnson said that White had threatened to shut the division down. While the division has progressed over the past few years, it is unlikely Johnson would ever come back.

Johnson also believes that, after the flyweight title bout between Steve Erceg and Alexandre Pantoja headlined an underwhelming UFC 301 card, that the promotion would be unlikely to shine a spotlight on the lighter classes again.

Whether or not the UFC would consider bringing him back may matter to Johnson. At one point, White told Johnson that they don’t give pay-per-view points to flyweights. It was a crushing blow for Johnson, who hoped his run as a dominant champion would lead to more lucrative money-making opportunities.

Johnson’s unhappiness with the UFC led to White making a deal with ONE to trade him for Askren. It may be the only trade in MMA history. ONE has come out on the better end of the deal. Askren, a former Bellator champion, had a short run in the UFC, where he is most known for losing via flying knee in less than 10 seconds to Jorge Masvidal.

Johnson battled his way to the top of ONE’s flyweight division. Johnson also developed a rivalry with Adriano Moraes, which was good for the promotion.

Grappling Has Been a Nice Landing Spot

Don’t misunderstand the following statement I am about to make. Grappling isn’t easy. The physical toll of the sport can quickly break down the human body.

But when compared to MMA, Johnson’s competing in grappling is a much more sustainable hobby to keep his career in combat sports alive. In grappling, no one is allowed to intentionally punch you in the head.

Johnson has also found a knack for success on the mats as well. In 2023, Johnson competed in the IBJJF Master World Championship and was able to win the gold medal in the brown belt Master 2 featherweight division. Johnson had to battle his way through six opponents to claim the title.

Dating back to his high school days, Johnson has always been a successful grappler. During his MMA career, Johnson finished eight of his 25 wins by submission. No one ever forced Johnson to tap out.

Johnson’s MMA Dream Started as a Hobby

Johnson is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time. But Johnson’s path to stardom wasn’t traditional. Johnson was a good wrestler in high school but was never a state champion. 

Not only was Johnson not an Olympic wrestler, but he never competed in college either. Competing in MMA was something Johnson did as a hobby. When Johnson found out that he was also good at it, he took the opportunity to use his skills to feed his family.

Johnson’s MMA professional MMA career started in 2009. He started 7-2-1 before putting together a 13-fight winning streak that made him one of the all-time greats. No matter where Johnson goes from here, he deserves the recognition and honors he’s received from the MMA community. Hopefully, he can continue to carry out his passion in some way.

MMA news websites show that Johnson has always been winning fights for the little guys.

Find all the latest boxing news and MMA breaking updates on boxingnews.com.

By Dean McHugh.