ONE: Demetrious Johnson looks forward to putting on a show in Manila debut

Demetrious Johnson at the ONE: Dawn of Heroes press conference. Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines–Pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson is expecting a grind-out debut in Manila for ONE: Dawn of Heroes on Friday at Mall of Asia Arena.

Johnson is taking on Tatsumitsu Wada in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semifinals and he is looking forward to putting on a show for the Filipino fans against a tough opponent.

“I’m looking forward to competing here for the first time in Manila. I’m sure I’m going to battle a little adversity in Tatsumitsu Wada. He does come from a great camp, Tokyo Tribe along with Yuya Wakamatsu, so for sure those two have been game-planning on taking me out,” said Johnson.

“I’ve been down on all the scorecards [before], but I keep on pushing through. I look forward to entertaining you guys on Friday night.”

Johnson, who submitted Yuya Wakamatsu in his ONE debut last March, plans to stick to his style and overwhelm his foe with his blinding speed and world-class wrestling.

“Sometimes, in my fighting style I have to go up to my opponents, being a shorter guy, I have to cross the distance and initiate the fighting. I can play the distance, play my footwork game and wait, but that’s not my style,” said the American fighter. “My style is getting in your face and fighting.”

A victory for the Mighty Mouse will set up a showdown against the winner of the Danny Kingad-Reece McLaren bout, which is also part of the stacked ONE: Dawn of Heroes card.

“Obviously Danny Kingad is more of a stand-up athlete, while Reece McLaren is well-rounded, but he likes the ground a little better,” Johnson said.

“I think McLaren has all the tools to get the fight to the ground and submit him, and I think Kingad has all the athleticism in the world to keep the fight where he wants it.”