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What's the story?
Former UFC flyweight champion, and current ONE Championship contender, Demetrious Johnson, is seemingly confused about Conor McGregor's recent comments, in regards to the UFC's plan to scrap the flyweight division. During a recent interview, 'Mighty Mouse' was seen expressing his views on the Irishman's comments, and also, on his future with ONE Championship.
In case you didn't know..
Demetrious Johnson, without a doubt, has been regarded as one of the most underrated talents in the sport of mixed martial arts. Single-handedly holding the division together, he was the first to get his hands on the flyweight championship belt, during the early days of the division in the UFC. During the timeline between the years 2013 and 2017, Demetrious Johnson was the most dominant champion, on paper, and in the Octagon, with a record run of 11 title defenses - the highest in MMA and UFC history.
Following his split decision loss against Henry Cejudo at UFC 227, Demetrious Johnson found himself to be a part of the first trade between two major fighting promotions. ONE Championship CEO, Chatri Sityodtong, was immediate in his action to draw 'Mighty Mouse' into the ONE roster, in exchange for former ONE Championship welterweight titleholder, Ben Askren. The release of Demetrious Johnson from the UFC opened doors for other fighters, are sighting after a change in promotional avenues.
The heart of the matter
On November 8th, 2018, former multiple-division UFC champion, Conor McGregor, released a tweet by sharing his opinion on the UFC's most recent plan to turn down the flyweight division. In the tweet, he said:
Although McGregor's comments may possibly be true, Demetrious Johnson did revert to 'The Notorious One' expressing his lack of understanding on the topic.
“I don’t get where this logic comes behind that. What makes him think Chatri owes somebody something? If he’s worried flyweights losing their jobs, I’m pretty sure he has a huge stake in the UFC company now,. I’m sure he can go to Dana, and be like Dana, ‘Keep these guys, these guys are f**king amazing.
Let’s try to do this right. Let’s try to promote them.’ Facilitate a meeting of those who can [change things], with Proper Whiskey. ‘Let’s sit down and have a good talk.’ I’m sure he could come up with something if he really wanted to do it As I said, that’s Conor’s opinion of what he thinks should happen.
This is a guy who just business, you know, the Barclay’s Center [thing], throwing the dolly in the bus, hurting multiple people. I truly think he doesn’t care. But that’s just my personal opinion.”
What's next?
The UFC is currently flirting with the idea of calling it a day for the flyweight division, by attempting to close the curtains with a double-championship bout between Henry Cejudo and T.J. Dillashaw.
Demetrious Johnson seems to show no signs of hesitation in taking the championship road with his new ONE contract.
Will we see the former UFC champion dominate the ONE roster as well? Leave your thoughts, opinions, and predictions in the comments section below!
