Ever since WME-IMG took over as the new owners for the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the way fights have been made has changed a bit. Gone are the days where rankings mean anything and promised title shots are thrown out the window; The new owners are interested in making some big cash and a fight between two champions is the best way to make that happen.
That’s why when Cody “No Love” Garbrandt, the UFC’s Bantamweight Champion, issued a challenge to Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the UFC’s Flyweight Champion, the seeds were planted for a possible future bout. It is well-known that Johnson wants to break Anderson Silva’s title defense record, and Cody invited Demetrious to do it in style:
“Demetrious has a fight with Wilson Reis in the not-too-distant future that’s coming up. He’ll tie Anderson Silva’s record, then his next fight would be the all-time record. He’s going for the huge record. Make him earn it (by fighting me).”
Johnson was more than inviting of the idea even though he tends to lean toward the more traditional approach of title shots. He told MMA Junkie:
“That’s not the first time somebody has said something like that. Lots of people say that they can make the weight class. Hell, I can make 115 pounds if they want to throw the division out there. Would I be able to perform at my ability? Probably not. But that’s fine.”
“If he wants to come down and the UFC wants to give him an immediate title shot, because that’s what they do nowadays – give immediate title shots – then that’s fine. Or if I go up and challenge him for his belt if the negotiations go well, then yeah, it could happen. It’s a fight.”
Do you think this bout should take place in the future? Share your thoughts on how this would play out in the comment section below!
