UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is planning on sticking to his guns regarding the UFC’s push to get him to fight the bantamweight champion in T.J. Dillashaw. So much so that he’s let the UFC know they can strip him of his world title if they don’t want to give him what he wants.
Despite being the #1 ranked pound-for-pound fighter on the UFC’s official rankings, Johnson is perhaps the lowest paid champion in the sport today.
Unable to book a slot in a mega-card that will see him get pay-per-view revenues, the champion is stuck in a contract that is not making him rich.
And that’s why Johnson has agreed to fight Dillashaw, but he wants it on a mega-card, where there’s a headliner people will pay to see fight.
In a new interview with ESPN, Johnson reveals just how far he’s willing to take these demands, and why he doesn’t care if the UFC decides to strip him.
Check it out:
”I’m not going to sit here and f**king argue. ‘This is what I want. If you’re not going to give it to me, that’s fine. I’ll just keep fighting guys in my division. You want to strip me? Fine, perfect. Strip me. I’ll work my way back up the ladder.’
”I’ve beat everyone in my division. Now I’m waiting for my opportunity to be on the kind of card that makes that kind of money. And I’m not trying to piggyback off anyone else. I feel I bring a lot to the table – 11 title defenses. I should get that opportunity. If people disagree, that’s their problem. That’s what I feel I am worth.”
Should The Mighty One get what he wants? We think, YES!
