Demetrious Johnson wants to make himself a valuable fighter, with or without a belt

Demetrious Johnson has spent many years building his legacy as a world champion. Dominating in the North American region for years, Johnson jumped to ONE Championship in 2019, where he continues to be one of the best fighters in the world. He once again proved that by capturing the ONE flyweight world championship in spectacular fashion at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August.

Though thrilled to represent the promotion as a world champion, ‘Mighty Mouse’ wants fans to tune in to his fights, even if 26.4 lbs of gold isn’t involved. In an interview with ONE Championship, Johnson expressed his desire to be a top draw, even without a title wrapped around his waist.

“I’m a world champion in America and dominated the division for six years. Now I’m coming over to Asia, winning the Grand Prix, winning my mixed rules fight, and winning the world championship in the flyweight division, it’s about building my stock, building my brand, having outrageous numbers when I fight at ONE Championship and making me more valuable to fight.”

Johnson continued, saying:

“So whether I’m a champ here or not, everyone is going to tune in when I fight. If I’m not the champion and Adriano fights, everyone is going to be excited about it. That’s where my goal is, I want to make myself so valuable whether I’m the champion or not.”

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Demetrious Johnson makes history at ONE on Prime Video 10 in May

If there is one thing Demetrious Johnson is great at besides winning world championships, it is making history. He’ll do that once again this spring when he headlines ONE Championship’s North American debut on May 5.

ONE on Prime Video 10 will emanate from the 1stBank Center in Colorado. In the main event of the evening, ‘Mighty Mouse’ will defend the ONE flyweight world championship against a division rival and former titleholder, Adriano Moraes. Johnson and Moraes are no strangers to one another, having met on two previous occasions. Their first bout in April 2021 saw Moraes hand Johnson the first knockout loss of his career.

Sixteen months later, Demetrious Johnson would hand Moraes his receipt, delivering a beautifully timed flying knee, sending the former champ into the shadow realm. The two will meet once again in what is perhaps the biggest event in ONE Championship history this spring.