ONE Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He has humbly
ONE Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time. He has humbly admitted that facing rising bantamweight star Sean O’Malley would be a much tougher challenge for him than taking on Aljamain Sterling. Johnson’s assessment comes after O’Malley claimed the bantamweight title with a TKO victory over Sterling at UFC 292.
O’Malley’s victory showcased his precision striking and ability to fend off grappling attempts from Sterling. While Johnson is known for his exceptional skills. He acknowledged the unique difficulties he would face against a fighter with O’Malley’s style. On his MIGHTYcast podcast, Johnson expressed his respect for O’Malley’s attributes and outlined the challenges he would encounter in a potential matchup.
“Dude, me vs. O’Malley, that would be a hard-ass fight,” Johnson admitted. “He’s much longer, he’s faster, he’s a way cleaner striker than I am. It would be so hard just to get to him.“
Johnson elaborated on O’Malley’s style, noting the similarity to a teammate at his gym who mirrors O’Malley’s movement and striking approach. He highlighted O’Malley’s use of his karate background, spinning back kicks, and precise striking, all of which pose challenges for opponents trying to engage and close the distance.
Johnson acknowledged his strengths in clinch work, jiu-jitsu, and wrestling. He also recognized the difficulty of overcoming O’Malley’s range and speed. Johnson emphasized that while he believes he has the tools to excel in certain aspects of the fight. The initial task of closing the distance and engaging O’Malley would be a significant challenge due to O’Malley’s attributes.
Johnson offered a different perspective on facing Aljamain Sterling when Sterling was champion. Johnson believed that his clinch work and overall skill set would be advantageous against Sterling’s forward-moving style. Despite acknowledging Sterling’s strengths, Johnson seemed more confident in his ability to handle Sterling’s approach.
“When I see Aljo, I’m like, I like that fight because he likes to come forward, he loves to cross distance,” Johnson explained.
Johnson’s candid assessment of a potential matchup with O’Malley demonstrates his respect for O’Malley’s skill set and his willingness to acknowledge the challenges he would face. As a seasoned competitor, Johnson’s analysis showcases his understanding of fighting dynamics and the importance of assessing opponents’ attributes accurately.
It’s important to note that these assessments are part of the sport’s nature. Fighters often evaluate potential matchups and acknowledge the strengths and challenges they may encounter. As both Johnson and O’Malley continue their respective journeys in MMA. These insights add to the intrigue of potential future matchups and the evolving landscape of the sport.
For more MMA news and updates
Read: UFC 292: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Venue, Where to Watch, and Tickets
Read: UFC 292 results: Sean O’Malley Claims UFC Bantamweight Title with stunning finish
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