Why Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson Left the UFC

Summary

In this episode of The Joe Rogan Experience, the discussion revolves around the diverse and dynamic landscape of One Championship (ONE FC), which hosts a variety of martial arts disciplines including grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing. The guest, a former UFC fighter, shares his experience transitioning to ONE FC after a close and controversial loss, exploring the opportunity to compete in different styles. The conversation also touches on the potential trade between UFC and ONE FC involving fighters like Demetrius Johnson and Ben Askren, with Joe Rogan expressing his enthusiasm for such exchanges to foster more competition and variety in the martial arts world.

Takeaways

• 🥊 One Championship is known for its diverse range of martial arts disciplines, including grappling, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and boxing matches.
• 🤼‍♂️ The speaker mentions Mikey Musumechi, Gary Tonon, and the Rotolo Brothers as examples of fighters competing in One Championship, showcasing the variety of talent.
• 👊 The speaker had an opportunity to compete in One Championship and was excited about the prospect of doing something different after a close loss in the UFC.
• 🔄 The decision to leave the UFC was influenced by the desire to explore new opportunities and avoid being stuck in the same situation after a controversial loss to Henry Cejudo.
• 🤝 There was a potential trade discussed between One Championship and UFC involving Ben Askren and Demetrius Johnson, which was ultimately not approved by Dana White.
• 🗣️ Joe Rogan was rumored to have played a role in convincing Ben Askren to join the UFC, but the speaker clarifies that this is not entirely accurate and that Rogan was trying to bring Askren in during his prime.
• 🏆 Ben Askren was admired for his wrestling skills and his ability to impose his style on opponents, even those who were considered 'murderers' in the fighting world.
• 🔄 The speaker discusses the strategic considerations behind trading fighters between organizations, emphasizing the importance of active and competitive fighters.
• 🤔 The speaker expresses a lack of personal influence over the decision-making process, leaving it to higher-ups and management to negotiate and finalize such trades.
• 🎉 There is a general excitement about the prospect of fighters like Ben Askren and Eddie Alvarez moving between organizations, as it is good for competition and the growth of the sport.
• 🌐 The conversation highlights the importance of having multiple events and organizations in the world of martial arts to foster a healthy competitive environment.

Q & A

What is unique about ONE Championship's approach to mixed martial arts events?

ONE Championship is unique in its approach to mixed martial arts as it mixes various styles of combat sports, including grappling matches, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and even boxing matches for WBC titles, offering a diverse range of events for fans and fighters alike.

Who are some of the fighters mentioned in the script that have competed in ONE Championship?

The fighters mentioned in the script who have competed in ONE Championship include Mikey Musumechi, Gary Tonon, and the Rotolo Brothers.

What was the context behind the decision to leave the UFC for ONE Championship?

The decision to leave the UFC for ONE Championship came after a close and controversial loss to Henry Cejudo. The fighter felt that relying too much on leg kicks and not being able to impose his style on the feet led to the loss, and exploring other options seemed like a good opportunity.

How did the fighter's management approach the situation after the loss to Henry Cejudo?

The fighter's management, including Naki Maki, was supportive and open to exploring different options. They encouraged the fighter to express his desires and worked to figure out the best course of action.

What were the potential outcomes if the fighter had a third fight with Henry Cejudo?

The potential outcomes of a third fight with Henry Cejudo were either beating Henry and still being stuck in the same situation, or losing and being in the same position of having lost to him again.

What role did Joe Rogan play in the transition from UFC to ONE Championship?

Joe Rogan was trying to facilitate the return of Ben Askren to the UFC when he was in his prime with Bellator. However, the rumor that Joe Rogan played a significant role in convincing the fighter to move to ONE Championship is not accurate according to the script.

What was the proposed trade between ONE Championship and UFC involving Ben Askren and Demetrius Johnson?

The proposed trade involved ONE Championship offering Ben Askren in exchange for Demetrius Johnson from the UFC. However, it was mentioned that Dana White was not interested in making that trade happen.

Why did the UFC eventually agree to the trade?

The UFC agreed to the trade because Demetrius Johnson was still active and a valuable asset to the organization, whereas Ben Askren was already retired and needed a hip replacement.

What is the current state of the Flyweight division in the UFC?

The Flyweight division in the UFC has risen with many interesting contenders, including names like Davidson Figueredo and Brandon Moreno, making it an exciting division to watch.

What is the general sentiment towards more competition and events in the world of mixed martial arts?

The general sentiment is that more events and competition are good for the sport of mixed martial arts, as it fosters growth, diversity, and excitement for both fighters and fans.

How does the fighter describe his fighting style and mentality?

The fighter describes himself as a 'Workhorse,' emphasizing that he is paid to fight and will do so to the best of his ability, regardless of the circumstances.