Demetrious Johnson frequently appears in fans’ and fighters’ top 5 lists for his exceptional skill set. Although he isn’t the most popular or a big money maker, mainly because the flyweight division often gets less attention, his talent remains unmatched. Despite being one of the best, Johnson made the decision to leave the UFC. Now, reflecting on his career, he believes that leaving the organization was the best move he could’ve made.
Regarding his exit, Johnson expressed dissatisfaction with his pay and failed to reach a satisfactory agreement. In a recent conversation with Ben Askren, he shared that he was seeking a place where he could get the respect and money he deserved. This led to a unique trade deal between the UFC and ONE Championship, allowing Johnson to move to the Asian promotion, while Askren came to the UFC in exchange.
Six years later, Johnson has no regrets, calling it the best move of his career. On a recent podcast, Johnson joined Askren to dive deeper into why he left despite being one of the top fighters at the time.
He said, “If an asset isn’t bringing in enough money that it should, then they wanted to get rid of it…. So why not go somewhere where they’re gonna appreciate me… I think it was the best decision I ever made in my career.”
Johnson has undoubtedly ended his career on a high note, being inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame as the first fighter to achieve that honor. With an impressive 25-4-1 record, he likely felt dissatisfied with the money he earned in the UFC but eventually gained the respect and compensation he believed he deserved in his later career.
Demetrious Johnson Thinks Tom Aspinall Can Beat Jon Jones
A fight between Jon Jones and Tom Aspinall has been a hot topic in the UFC for a while now, with many favoring Jones. However, Johnson stands out by backing Aspinall, believing he has all the tools needed to defeat Jones. The question remains—could Aspinall land one of those signature elbows, a spinning back fist, or even a flying knee? Johnson’s answer is clear: “One thousand percent.”
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He said, “I think Tom Aspinall has the speed, the athleticism, and the power to give Jon Jones problems. Tom Aspinall is still young and he’s still getting better, but I think this version of Jon Jones vs. Tom Aspinall is very — Tom Aspinall can beat him.”
Indeed, with opinions divided, it will be interesting to see if Johnson’s prediction holds up. If this fight between Jones and Aspinall ever happens, the big question is: who will come out on top? Fans are eager to see if Aspinall can prove his potential or if Jones will once again solidify his dominance.
Also Read: Who Has Demetrious Johnson Lost To? Exploring Mighty Mouse’s MMA Losses
