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

#2. Johnson is still the best striker at flyweight

Fighters like Deiveson Figueiredo and Brandon Moreno are skilled strikers in their own right, with the Brazilian being a sniping power puncher and 'The Assassin Baby' being a gritty boxer. But there remains no better striker at flyweight than Demetrious Johnson.

A stance-switching master of distance and footwork, 'Mighty Mouse' is unique in his ability to be equally effective at countering off the backfoot as he is at pressuring his foes.

He maintains a crucial distance, never lengthening his range so much that he's at risk of being pressed against the cage against an opponent eager to pressure. Nor does he cut distance so foolishly that he's in a position to be countered on his way inside.

Johnson is notoriously difficult to strike with due to his evasiveness. Even Dominick Cruz, known for his evasiveness, struggled against 'Mighty Mouse's clever footwork and distance management.

Whether he's jabbing or kicking foes at range, using lateral movement to misdirect opponents or smothering their punches to stifle knockout artists from imposing themselves on him, Demetrious Johnson is well-suited for every possible variable in the striking phase of combat.

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#1. Johnson is the most successful finisher in UFC flyweight history

While much is made of Deiveson Figueiredo's skills as a finisher, largely due to the Brazilian's fearsome punching power and airtight chokes, Demetrious Johnson is tied with him as the most successful finisher in UFC flyweight history. He has seven finishes despite not possessing the Brazilian's athletic gifts and size.

Furthermore, despite both fighters sharing the record, 'Mighty Mouse' is a more successful finisher in the overall flyweight division, UFC and otherwise.

Deiveson Figueiredo flaunts 17 finishes in total, whereas Demetrious Johnson boasts 18. Additionally, Johnson's success as a finisher is more impressive given his size disadvantage compared to most of his foes.

On the other hand, the Brazilian often enjoys a size and power advantage over all of his opponents. In ONE FC, 'Mighty Mouse' finished both Yuya Wakamatsu and Adriano Moraes, both of whom are larger than even Figueiredo himself.