“Never had surgery and any injuries” - Demetrious Johnson in awe of Bibiano Fernandes’ durability

When you’ve had a successful career as a top-ranked pound-for-pound fighter like Demetrious Johnson, injuries just come with the territory, right?

During his UFC tenure, ‘Mighty Mouse’ has had his fair share of injuries and surgeries - from muscle tears to hernias to shoulder injuries, he’s had to get patched up more than once.

So what he can’t wrap his head around is the fact that his long-time friend and multiple-time world champion, Bibiano Fernandes, has never been under the knife before.

In a recent appearance on The Joe Rogan Experience (JRE), Demetrious Johnson talked about fighter durability and how eventually, long tenured MMA fighters like himself, won’t be able to withstand damage like they used to. But apparently, Bibiano Fernandes is a rare exception:

“The person I’m blown away by is Bibiano Fernandes. He’s 41 years old and he’s never had surgery and any injuries. He’s a five-time world Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) champion, Dream champion, ONE champion, the longest reigning I believe. He’s never had [surgeries and injuries].”

Bibiano Fernandes’ chin was tested earlier this year by John Lineker at ONE: Lights Out. Despite standing his ground against one of the hardest-hitting punchers at ONE Championship, it only took one good punch to the chin to knock him out cold in the second round.

Durable for his age, he may be, however, the game is evolving. Taking shots like he did against Lineker can’t happen again or it will be another quick end for the Brazilian icon.

Bibiano has another chance to learn from past mistakes and get back onto the winning column in what could be a world title eliminator bout against Stephen Loman at ONE on Prime Video 4.

Sticking to his strengths as a grappler as opposed to going into an all-out striking war with Loman could help him garner the victory he needs.

Watch Bibiano Fernandes in action below:

---

Demetrious Johnson believes you can’t put a number or date on MMA retirement

Demetrious Johnson can’t really pinpoint a number or date as to when it would be a good time to hang up the gloves.

Seeing MMA greats like Bibiano Fernandes and Eddie Alvarez stretch their careers deep into their late 30s and early 40s, Johnson believes he may have enough juice in his legs to do the same if he really wants to.

Demetrious Johnson told MMAfighting:

“I see guys like Glover Teixiera who fought at 41 or 42 and looked great out there, he’s loving it, he’s having fun mentally [...] You look at Bibiano Fernandes, still competing in his 40s, young. He’s fighting one time a year but it’s not like he’s doing three times.”

‘Mighty Mouse’ is in his first ONE flyweight world title reign at 36 years of age. Despite not putting a date on his retirement, Demetrious Johnson expects to defend his belt a few times before calling it quits.