“I Fought for PPV Points” – Demetrius Johnson Told Joe Rogan How UFC Pay Was a Big Fuss Compared to ONE Championship

UFC color commentator Joe Rogan opened up a discussion regarding fighter pay on his podcast on The JRE MMA Show with guest Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. UFC fighters’ pay situation has been a major topic of discussion. Other combat sports like boxing pay athletes allegedly earn more than what UFC pays its fighters.

Rogan and Johnson were talking about the pay difference between UFC and ONE Championship. Demetrious Johnson had left the UFC in the wake of UFC President Dana White‘s announcement that the flyweight division may cease to exist. Johnson then competed found his home, ONE Championship, and discussed the difference in pay between both promotions.

“They paid good,” said Johnson. When asked if the pay was better than UFC, he said, “Everybody’s contract is different. I am very happy with what I’m getting, but everybody is totally different.” Johnson also told Joe Rogan that he made less money in the UFC even when he was winning. He made more money in the previous fight, which he won than in the succeeding fight.

Johnson told Joe Rogan that he wanted ‘PPV points’

After Demetrious Johnson won his fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 197, he opened the discussion with UFC regarding the addition of pay-per-view points to his contract. He was allowed to add the PPV points, but just for one match, which was a rematch against Cejudo at UFC 227.

He told Joe Rogan, “I remember when it came time for me to re-negotiate my contract after I beat Henry Cejudo the first time, … I fought for PPV points. That is where your start making that next wealth. Sh*t, Jon Jones hasn’t fought in two or three years and he’s made all that money in PPV points, so he’s had the opportunity to take the time off… If I landed on a card with Conor McGregor or Jones… I could be walking out with a $2 million pay check….”

Johnson on his treatment at ONE Championship

The famed UFC commentator asked Demetrious Johnson about how he is treated at ONE Championship. The 36-year-old said, “It’s great! We talk. For us to have that conversation about the Rodtang fight is how it should be. It should be like a marriage. It should be like ‘hey, we want you to fight Rodtang for the world title.’ I’m like, … ‘but I think that’s deserved for somebody else who has worked his whole life to get that opportunity.”

Johnson also reminisced about the fact that he never got to achieve the cordial relationship with UFC like he did with ONE Championship. He recently captured the ONE flyweight world championship after defeating Adriano Moraes with a knockout.

READ MORE: “It’s Very Rewarding to Have This Opportunity” – Adriano Moraes Fired Up for Trilogy Showdown With Demetrious Johnson

The current ONE flyweight champion was persistent in trying to get PPV points like some of the other fighters like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones. The UFC told the ‘Mighty Mouse’ that he wasn’t a draw. But Johnson now finds himself in a good position with ONE Championship.

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