Despite being retired for over six months, Demetrious Johnson’s legacy in MMA continues to resonate, as UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja recently called him out, though Johnson appreciates the recognition but remains committed to retirement while acknowledging Pantoja’s achievements and dominance in the division.
Demetrious Johnson hasn’t stepped into the cage for almost two years. He announced his MMA retirement over six months ago, yet his name still echoes in the sport. UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja recently called him out.
In December, after defeating Kai Asakura at UFC 310, Pantoja boldly claimed, “I’m the GOAT here. If you want to prove you’re the GOAT, come back.” Johnson swiftly declined but appreciated Pantoja’s audacity.
“It’s a testament to how people view me,” Johnson remarked. Even after two years away, he’s still seen as a division king.
The callout arguably generated more buzz than Pantoja’s victory over Asakura. Not everyone knew Asakura, but everyone knows Johnson. Social media metrics confirmed it; they even made $1,000 from one clip alone.
Johnson has no plans to return or challenge Pantoja. Still, he respects the reigning champ’s impressive resume. Pantoja’s on a seven-fight win streak with three title defenses. That’s why Johnson ranks him top among flyweights.
“Oh absolutely, 100 percent,” Johnson said about ranking Pantoja at No. 1. Kyoji Horiguchi is up there too, but hasn’t faced Pantoja’s level of competition.
Pantoja’s recent win over Asakura adds to his accolades. Asakura beat Horiguchi once, showing the tangled web of victories and defeats in this division.
Johnson’s old stomping ground, ONE Championship, adds an interesting twist to his rankings. Adriano Moraes, who handed Johnson a knockout loss in 2021, is fighting for a vacant flyweight title in Japan.
Despite the “flyweight” label, Johnson sees ONE Championship’s weight classes differently due to their approach to weight cutting. Flyweights there compete closer to 135 pounds.
“When you look at guys like Adriano performing at 135,” Johnson explained, “he wouldn’t fit in the UFC’s 125-pound division.” The extra 10 pounds make a difference.
During his time at ONE Championship, Johnson compared himself to bantamweights like Aljamain Sterling due to similar weight class dynamics.
His trilogy with Moraes earned him newfound respect for the Brazilian fighter. Those matchups forced adaptation and growth.
“He’s really good,” Johnson acknowledged about Moraes. Adjusting to larger opponents was challenging for someone used to smaller fighters like Joseph Benavidez and John Dodson.
Facing taller opponents like Tim Elliott and Dominick Cruz always posed difficulties for Johnson. Moraes’ height was another hurdle he had to overcome.
Regardless of weight class distinctions, Moraes aims for another belt while Pantoja waits for his next challenge. Both fighters are carving their paths in MMA history.
Reflecting on the past, Johnson is proud of how far the flyweight division has come since its near demise in the UFC. He’s content watching from afar now.
“Being 38,” he shared, “I’m at the water park with my daughter.” There’s no belt that can match this satisfaction.