Possibilities often emerge from unexpected corners sparking discussions of potential matchups that ignite the imagination.
Possibilities often emerge from unexpected corners sparking discussions of potential matchups that ignite the imagination. One such intriguing possibility arose when ONE Championship’s matchmaker posed a question to former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. Whom would he like to fight next? Johnson’s response took many by surprise as he mentioned current UFC bantamweight champion, Aljamain Sterling.
However, the matchmaker’s response to Johnson’s desire was a straightforward dismissal “Well, that’ll never happen.” Indeed, it has been five years since Johnson’s trade to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren and a return to the UFC seems improbable. Not to mention the fact that Johnson’s interests have evolved beyond the octagon. At 37, he’s more focused on grappling competitions and building his content business than stepping into the cage again. He hasn’t sparred since April underscoring his shift in priorities.
In a recent interview on The MMA Hour, Johnson expressed his feelings about the current state of MMA “I don’t know if MMA has been exciting me lately.” His tone hinted at a certain detachment a sentiment reflective of his evolving interests.
Despite his wavering enthusiasm for MMA, there is one matchup that could reignite Johnson’s passion a bout against Aljamain Sterling. Ahead of Sterling’s title defense against Sean O’Malley at UFC 292. Johnson revealed his interest in facing the bantamweight champion. He acknowledged the complexity of Sterling’s game but expressed confidence in his ability to solve it.
In Johnson’s eyes, a showdown with Sterling would present an opportunity to address a problem he believes he can conquer. He sees himself as a force in Asia, paralleling Sterling’s status as a prominent figure in America. While Johnson acknowledges that such a fight is unlikely. He shared his readiness to commit to a training camp for a matchup against Sterling.
The motivation for this hypothetical clash received an unexpected boost when Sterling weighed in on the possibility during a gym Q&A. In response to the idea of a fight with Johnson, Sterling made a comment that caught Johnson’s attention. He referred to Johnson as “too little” and implied that his size advantage would be a deciding factor. Sterling’s remarks added an extra layer of intrigue to the theoretical matchup.
Moreover, Sterling’s comments highlighted a potential avenue for Johnson’s return to MMA grappling competitions. Johnson now shares a bond with former UFC two-division champion Henry Cejudo who ended Johnson’s title reign in 2018. Johnson had helped Cejudo prepare for his fight against Sterling at UFC 288. By focusing on refining his grappling skills and participating in exhibitions. Johnson could explore a different side of his combat sports journey.
While Johnson acknowledges Sterling’s size advantage and grappling prowess. He believes he has a tactical advantage in certain aspects of the fight game. Johnson cited his rhythm and clinch game as potential strengths that could pose challenges for Sterling. He dissected Sterling’s fighting style highlighting openings he believes he could exploit.
Johnson’s confidence doesn’t negate the challenges Sterling would present especially given Sterling’s success against larger opponents. Johnson sees Sterling’s size as both an obstacle and an opportunity indicating that he is under no illusions about the difficulties he would face.
For more MMA news and updates click here
Read: ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong calls out Elon Musk’s bullying behavior
Read: Elon Musk vs Mark Zuckerberg: The never-ending drama of a fantasy fight
Get the latest from Sportslumo.com by following us on Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube
Follow Us
