Demetrius Johnson acknowledges the complexity surrounding his transition to ONE Championship but doubts Joe Rogan played a role.
In light of the historic trade that brought “Mighty Mouse” from the UFC to ONE in October 2018, rumors hinted at Rogan persuading then-UFC President Dana White to make the deal. During a podcast appearance, Johnson addressed the rumors and clarified the situation after conversing with Rogan.
Johnson quoted Rogan as saying, ‘No, I have nothing to do with it.’ Johnson emphasized that, while Rogan is a big supporter of his, he believes it was ultimately White’s decision. He also reflected on the promotional efforts White made on his behalf during his time in the UFC.
Johnson discussed the popularity of the flyweight division and attributed its rise to the impact of social media and online visibility. He also highlighted his own accomplishments in the sport, noting that he feels his skill set was not fully recognized during his time in the UFC.
The trade appears to have been beneficial for both parties. Johnson has excelled in ONE Championship, engaging in memorable fights and solidifying his position as one of the organization’s key figures. On the other hand, Askren’s impact on the UFC indirectly bolstered the organization’s profile, particularly following his swift knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal.
It’s uncertain what more Johnson could have achieved in the UFC. He had a remarkable career in the flyweight division, defending his title 11 times and securing victories over several accomplished fighters.
Ultimately, parting ways proved advantageous for both Johnson and the UFC.
Johnson reflected on his final fight with Henry Cejudo in the UFC, expressing frustration at the lack of financial recognition for champions at the time. He also shared his decision to explore the possibility of leaving the UFC, ultimately leading to the trade for Ben Askren.
