5 reasons why Demetrious Johnson is still the best flyweight in the world

demetrious-johnson
Demetrious Johnson, the new ONE flyweight champion

#4. ONE FC's lower divisions are competitive

While the general consensus is that a disproportionate number of the world's best fighters are in the UFC, ONE FC offers competition in the lower weight classes. Specifically, the fighters below the promotion's welterweight division are fairly talented and skilled.

ONE FC's lightweights, featherweights, bantamweights, and flyweights can compete in the UFC. A good indicator of ONE FC's quality is the fact that Adriano Moraes became the first fighter to finish Johnson.

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During his UFC run, Johnson was nearly unbeatable, losing only twice. He lost to Dominick Cruz after outstriking the bantamweight GOAT, forcing him to use his size advantage to outwrestle him.

His other loss was to Henry Cejudo in a controversial split-decision that many still consider to have been wrong. Prior to his rematch with Moraes, the Brazilian was a 20-3 fighter who greatly outsized Johnson by standing at 5 feet 8 inches tall with a wingspan of 69 inches.

Yet, Demetrious Johnson bested him nonetheless, KO'ing him with a brutal knee to claim victory over a fighter large enough to fight at featherweight.


#3. 'Mighty Mouse' is a master of his trade

When talk of fighters being well-rounded arises, observers often confuse being competent at striking while possessing an arsenal of takedowns and submissions as an indicator.

Thus, mixed martial artists like Tony Ferguson are often confused for being well-rounded, however, much of what he does is not consequential. Meanwhile, Demetrious Johnson's arsenal is consequential as he uses his strikes to create openings for his wrestling and vice versa.

Not only is 'Mighty Mouse' consequential, he's an inventive master of his chosen fighting style in a way that no other fighter at flyweight is. A prime example of his mastery and creativity is the armbar he used to defeat Ray Borg at UFC 216.

Standing behind Borg, Johnson had a bodylock before lifting his foe into the air for a suplex. Halfway through, with Borg still airborne, Demetrious Johnson released his grasp.

As Ray Borg instinctively spread his arms out in search of balance, Johnson quickly hooked his arms around Borg's left arm and threw his legs over his foe's torso as he landed on the mat.

The armbar was secured and while Borg initially resisted, 'Mighty Mouse' would not be denied. He hyperextended his opponent's arm until Borg tapped out to a maneuver one is more likely to see in a heavily choreographed action film than an MMA fight.

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Edited by Akshay Saraswat
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