One of the oddest moves in UFC history from a fans perspective was when they sent Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson to ONE Championship after he Lost his UFC Flyweight Title to Henry Cejudo in 2018 for Ben Askren. Johnson was one of the best MMA fighters in the promotion who had eleven successful title defenses. At the time Askren was The One Welterweight Champion, but once he entered the UFC he wasn’t very good, winning his first bout but losing his next to bouts to Jorge Masvidal in a highlight real Knockout via an amazing Flying Knee and Technical Submission to Demian Maia. Needless to say Askren was a dud when it came to the UFC making some wonder why it happened as some people in the MMA community especially Joe Rogan consider Johnson to be the one of the greatest of all time.
Johnson was born on August 13, 1986 in Madisonville, Kentucky but would grow up in Parkland, Washington. Johnson had a rough childhood as he was raised by his deaf mother and an abusive stepfather. Johnson never met his biological father. Johnson was a standout athlete while in school he ran cross country, track and wrestled, but he only did the first two to increase his cardio for Wrestling which was his main focus. After attending Pierce College Johnson decided it was time to pursue a career in Mixed Martial Arts.
In 2007 he made his MMA professional MMA debut when he faced off against Brandon Fieds. Johnson would win the bout by Knockout in the first round. Jeff Bourgeois would be next for Johnson he’d win this bout by Unanimous Decision. He’d then face Eric Alvarez and again would win when he got the nod on all the Judges score cards. Johnson would then take on Louis Contreras, Johnson would win the bout via Submission (keylock.) Jose Garza would be next for Mighty Mouse he’d get the victory via Submission (armbar.) He’d win his next five fights before dropping his first fight to Brad Pickett. He’d win his next two fights over Nick Pace and Damacio Page.
Johnson would soon enter the UFC when the promotion he was fighting with merged with the UFC. He’d make his UFC debut against Norifumi Yamamoto winning the fight by Unanimous Decision. Johnson would take on Miguel Torres He’d again win the fight by Unanimous Decision. He’d then face Dominick Cruz For the UFC Bantamweight Championship. Unfortunately he would not win the title.
He’d then face Ian McCall in his Flyweight debut in the UFC Flyweight Tournament Semi-final this contest would be ruled a Majority draw Fight of the Night. He’d get an immediate rematch with Ian McCall which he’d win which brought him to the finals of The Flyweight Tournament for the belt, He’d face Joseph Benavidez in the bout and would win the inaugural UFC Flyweight Championship.
Johnson would defend his UFC Flyweight belt eleven times before losing it to Henry Cejudo in their re-match at UFC 227. The trade mentioned earlier would go through and Mighty Mouse would be sent to One Championship where he’d return to 135 pounds. He’d make his One debut against Yuya Wakamatsu winning by Submission (guillotine choke.) Johnson would then face Tatsumitsu Wada winning by Unanimous Decision. Danny Kingad would be next for Johnson he’d win this fight again by Unanimous Decision winning the ONE Championship Flyweight (135 lb) Grand-Prix.. He’d then face Adriano Moraes but would lose the bout by KO (knee.)
We can’t wait to see who Johnson faces next, and hope it will be a win for him.
MMA Aficionado 