It was another day in the office for Demetrious Johnson on Saturday night, as he made a record-tying 10th consecutive title defence of his flyweight championship.
As usual, Mighty Mouse was the overwhelming favourite heading into the Kansas City event, and proved why he’s the pound for pound king with a convincing victory over Wilson Reis, submitting the man that had never tapped out before with a third-round armbar.
MIGHTY MOUSE
Most of the focus was falling on Johnson now finding himself in elite company, as he tied Anderson Silva’s record of 10 consecutive title defences, and is now on a 12-fight win streak alongside Georges St-Pierre and behind the likes of Jon Jones and The Spider.
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He was in the headlines in the build-up to the fight for other reasons too, as he claimed he wanted a bumper payday for his success and also told the UFC he wants all of his other championship titles as well, and it seems a million dollar payday is now the priority over a super fight with bantamweight champion, Cody Garbrandt – who wants to stop DJ from creating history in his next fight.
During the post-fight press conference, Johnson was asked about who he’d like to face next and although he jokingly mentioned Chael Sonnen, he claimed he’s not afraid of anyone and would love to fight Conor McGregor.
He went on to explain that even if he loses, he’d feel a winner while he laughs his way to the bank.
BIG MONEY FIGHTS
He said: “Nowadays, everybody’s talking about big money fights, right?
“I am not afraid of one man in this whole UFC Octagon roster. I truly don’t care. What’s going to happen to me? I lose? I get knocked out?
“A lot of people are coming…’Ooh, fight him, he’s scared’…I’m like, ‘Dude. I will f*****g fight Conor McGregor for the biggest payday of my life.’
“If I got knocked out, perfect. Thanks, Conor. You weigh 170 pounds, but guess what? I’m just going to be laughing all the way to the bank. But if you ask me who would I like to fight, and I know I’m going to make the most money, I’ll fight Conor McGregor.”
Of course, it’s easier said that done as the difference in weight makes this a near-impossible fight to make, even if it would make the company and both fighters a bucket-load of money.
His point is understandable, though, as it seems like a when and not if he surpasses The Spider’s record, he’ll be deserving of the money fights regardless of who the opponent is.
What do you think is next for Demetrious Johnson? Have YOUR say in the comments section below.
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