Demetrious Johnson, one of MMA’s all-time greats, is coming to terms with the reality of his division. Despite his incredible accomplishments in the sport, including setting the all-time consecutive UFC title defense record at 11, Johnson is now semi-retired at 37. He recently watched his old title on the line at UFC 301 in Rio de Janeiro, where Alexandre Pantoja defended his championship against Steve Erceg.
However, Johnson expressed disappointment with the lack of buzz surrounding the event, noting the absence of a press conference and the overall lack of excitement leading up to the fight card. He also criticized the decision to have flyweights headline a UFC pay-per-view, questioning the lack of interest and support for the division.
The event itself was somewhat overshadowed by the historically stacked UFC 300, leading to speculation about the matchups and the overall appeal of UFC 301. Despite efforts to bolster intrigue, including bringing in Jose Aldo for the co-main event, Johnson felt that the event failed to generate the excitement and attention it deserved.
Looking ahead, Johnson emphasized the challenges faced by flyweights in terms of pay-per-view points and recognition. He questioned the decision to have flyweights headline events if it doesn’t benefit the fighters financially or in terms of exposure.
Ultimately, Johnson’s insights shed light on the struggles and realities faced by fighters in the flyweight division, highlighting the need for greater support and recognition for these talented athletes.