Widely-considered to be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Demetrious Johnson hardly has anything left to prove inside the cage.
But Johnson isn’t done yet as his move to ONE Championship offers him a new challenge that lights up the fire in his belly.
“Obviously, That (winning the title) is the goal right now. I’m very focused on that. It’s gonna be the icing on the cake,” Johnson said when asked about his career.
“I’ve accomplished a lot in North America now I’m ready to go over here in Asia and cement my legacy over here.”
It was Dana White, president of UFC, himself, who declared Johnson as the best MMA fighter of all time last year after Johnson broke the UFC record for most title defenses with 11 in style when he submitted Ray Borg with a flying armbar.
The Octagon was Johnson’s stage. He went 18-2-1 in the UFC as he dazzled North America and Asia is next.
“I spent seven years in North America fighting the best in the world. I’ve never traveled to Asia to fight the best. I think now is the perfect time to do it,” the 32-year-old Johnson said.
“Now that they just announced a World Grand Prix for the flyweight division, it’s has always been a dream of mine to actually compete in Asia in a World Grand Prix. The biggest thing that you can expect from me for coming over here to compete in Asia is that I’ll do my best. I am taking no shortcuts.”
ONE on Wednesday announced a pair of Grand Prix tournaments slated next year with Johnson and Eddie Alvarez headlining the flyweight and lightweight divisions, respectively.
“I love DJ because, of course, he’s a phenomenal martial artist. There’s no question he’s an outstanding athlete and he has all the technical abilities but what I really low about him is look at how humble he is in victory, look how gracious he is in defeat,” said ONE chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.