UFC vs. ONE: ‘They’re Going To Be Absolutely Blown Away’

Getty

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is anxious for his stateside MMA followers to lastly get the possibility to take a more in-depth take a look at ONE Championship’s spectacular roster of athletes. Johnson, 34, is without doubt one of the most achieved athletes in UFC historical past, however the American believes his new promoter, ONE Championship, compares fairly favorably to his previous crew over within the UFC.

“As soon as they see the expertise that ONE Championship has, they’re going to be completely blown away,” Johnson stated.

Demetrious Johnson’s Finest ONE Championship HighlightsAlready considered the highest pound-for-pound combined martial artists on the planet, Demetrious Johnson continues to cement his legacy in ONE Championship. Get pleasure from one of the best of “Mighty Mouse’s” fights in The House of Martial Arts, together with his spectacular ONE debut towards Yuya Wakamatsu! Predictions for his ONE Flyweight World Title showdown with Adriano Moraes? Subscribe…2020-05-10T03:02:16Z

Johnson left the UFC again in 2018 after being traded to ONE for welterweight star Ben Askren.

On the time of the commerce, Johnson had accounted for probably the most title defenses within the promotion’s historical past at 125 kilos, and it’s a document he nonetheless holds in the present day.

Three years later, “Mighty Mouse” continues to be ranked among the many high pound-for-pound fighters within the sport throughout all promotions. He’s 3-0 since being traded to ONE, and the most recent ESPN MMA pound-for-pound list has him slotted at No. 9 on the planet.

However Johnson believes the remainder of the ONE Championship roster is simply as stout. Actually, Johnson believes American MMA followers who aren’t but accustomed to the Asia-based MMA promotional firm are going to like what they see when “ONE on TNT” premiers later this 12 months.

“I believe it’s simply going to return all the way down to getting the publicity,” Johnson stated.

Observe the Heavy on UFC Facebook page for the most recent breaking information, rumors and content material!

‘ONE on TNT’ on April 7

“ONE on TNT” will characteristic ONE Championship occasions throughout 4 consecutive weeks beginning on April 7.

Every of the three-fight predominant playing cards will begin at 10 p.m. ET on TNT.

Johnson (30-3-1) final fought in October 2019 when he defeated Danny Kingad to win the ONE flyweight Grand Prix.

Now, Johnson is in the end set to lock horns with ONE flyweight champ Adriano Moraes for divisional gold.

Adriano Moraes vs. Demetrious Johnson | The GOAT Will get His ShotHeadlining the primary installment of ONE on TNT’s stacked four-event slate this April is a seismic showdown between ONE Flyweight World Champion Adriano Moraes and combined martial arts nice Demetrious Johnson — coming to you LIVE on TNT on 7 April! #ONEChampionship #ONEonTNT Subscribe to ONE Championship on YouTube: bit.ly/ONECHAMPIONSHIP Join with ONE Championship: ONE…2021-01-28T05:33:44Z

However that very same “ONE on TNT” card may even characteristic former UFC light-weight champion Eddie Alvarez in motion, too.

So Johnson believes he and Alvarez will probably be serving to ONE market itself as a direct competitor to the UFC in america.

“Then it’s going to return all the way down to getting extra American athlete acquisitions. When you get extra, it’s off from there, Johnson stated.

Johnson on UFC’s New Rival: ‘Killers in Each Group’

Whereas Johnson’s commerce from UFC to ONE was surprising when it occurred, the fighter believes it labored out finest for him for certain.

“I believe it was nice. I believe loads of one of the best athletes in MMA historical past have competed on either side of the world. You take a look at Rampage Jackson, Fedor Emelianenko, Mirko Cro Cop, Wanderlei Silva, Shogun, Gegard Mousasi, the checklist simply goes on,” Johnson stated.