Demetrious Johnson might be advancing in age, but that won’t deter him from facing any challenges head-on.
In a recent interview with MMA Fighting, UFC Bantamweight World Champion Aljamain Sterling commented that Johnson is “too little” and that “father time may have caught up with him a bit.” These words from “Aljo” struck a chord with “Mighty Mouse.”
Demetrious Johnson Responds to Aljamain Sterling’s Callout
During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani this week, the ONE Flyweight World Champion addressed Sterling’s remarks. “Let’s spar together. Come spar. I would love to grapple with you. I’d love to see your technique in action,” Johnson expressed. In his most recent defense of his World Title, “Funk Master” faced off against Johnson’s frenemy and former two-division UFC world champion, Henry Cejudo, in his first fight after almost three years.
Although Sterling took the fight to five rounds, Cejudo ultimately failed to regain the belt he had relinquished upon retiring in 2020.Johnson shares a history with Cejudo, as their two-fight series ended in a 1-1 tie. The native of Los Angeles was responsible for ending Johnson’s dominant reign in the UFC’s flyweight division. Since then, they’ve put their rivalry behind them and even trained together for their respective fights.
While Sterling boasts a nine-fight winning streak and confidently challenged “Mighty Mouse,” Johnson isn’t overly impressed by his fellow World Champion. He gave a glimpse of how their potential matchup would unfold.”I see his vulnerability in his clinch game. I’d dominate him in the clinch. I feel my rhythm is superior to his on the feet,” stated the American MMA veteran.”I believe I’d outperform him in the clinch.”
Following his legendary run at UFC, Mighty Mouse is on a terror run at One Championship
“Mighty Mouse” showcased his unique talent after joining ONE in 2019. He clinched the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix that same year and secured the division’s top honor in 2022.His most recent show of dominance over the division came in a trilogy bout against Adriano Moraes at ONE’s inaugural U.S. event, ONE Fight Night 10, held in May.
While fans can only speculate about the outcome if Sterling and Johnson were to face off, there’s no denying that both men possess the skills to argue they’re the best in their respective weight categories.
