Demetrious Johnson is probably one of the best UFC fighters of all time. Despite his stacked record and achievements, it is quite possible that you might not be aware of his success. As it turns out, Johnson, just like many other UFC fighters had his feud with President Dana White.
For those unaware, ‘Mighty Mouse’ was the flyweight champion of the UFC from 20212 to 2017. One of the longest and most impressive title reigns in the history of the UFC and MMA in general, DJ was held in high regard among his peers. However, UFC President Dana White was clearly not on the same page.
Demetrious Johnson is an absolute legend.
• ONE Flyweight Champion
• 2019 ONE Flyweight Grand Prix Champion
• Inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion
• 11 UFC Flyweight title defenses
• Most consecutive title defenses in UFC history (11)
•Third most wins in UFC title fights… pic.twitter.com/lKMVu34PoD— Josh (@JUchiha909) May 2, 2023
Despite, Johnson’s undeniable success and claim as perhaps the best MMA fighter of all time, White was of the opinion that he was the worst PPV-selling fighter/champion in the UFC. At the same time, the UFC head honcho even spoke about wanting to dissolve the flyweight division, purely due to its lack of marketability.
Demetrious Johnson slams Dana White for labeling Conor McGregor as the best P4P fighter
However, over time Demetrious Johnson began realizing that there was a clear bias against him. Even though he was one of the most dominant UFC champions of all time, he felt no acknowledgment of it from Dana White whatsoever. Thus, following his split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227, DJ chose to part ways with the organization which resulted in a trade for Ben Askren with ONE Championship.
Recently, Johnson came across an old video wherein Dana hailed Conor McGregor as the best P4P fighter in the UFC, instead of him. Venting his frustration and speaking about the conversation that they had, he said:
“So just because someone’s going to fight anybody any weight, any time, it makes them the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world? That’s f***ing absolutely stupid because I know eight motherf***ers at a bar who’d fight anybody, anytime, anywhere, any place for a measly-a** cheque”.
Further, Demetrious added, “What makes you the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world is that you can cover every basis of a fight. Somebody tries to grapple me? I’m f***ing him up. If they try to clinch me, I’m f***ing him up. If they try to strike, Muay Thai, I’m f***ing them up”.
Additionally, Mighty made the claim that he went through his whole division whilst Conor never made a title defense, be it at lightweight or featherweight. Although McGregor will always be a superstar in his own right, when it comes to credibility as a fighter, Johnson wins every single debate there is.
Demetrious Johnson reveals his UFC P4P list
Although Demetrious Johnson does not particularly hate Conor McGregor or harbor any resentment towards Dana White any longer, he is not willing to back down in this particular debate. Naturally, one would assume that somebody as smart and intelligent as Demetrious would have a very respectable list of the best UFC P4P fighters. And, as it turns out, his list, depending on people is one of the most agreeable ones.
For the most part, Johnson, despite claiming to be the most accomplished MMA fighter of all time, does not place himself in first place. As such, his list has Anderson Silva at #4, Georges St-Pierre at #3, himself at #2, and Jon ‘Bones’ Jones at #1. A very based and understandable list, to say the least, Mighty believes that a fighter’s record, resume, and way of finishing fights determine their position on the list.
Although many will have their own iterations of the famed Mount Rushmore of MMA, it is hard to deny any of these four fighters a spot on the list. All things considered, Demetrious Johnson got way less credit than any of the other fighters on the list. Although he believes that he was mistreated by Dana White and the UFC, Johnson’s legacy as one of the best to ever do it will forever be intact.
