Mailbag: Johnson’s Retirement, Brady’s Win, Noche UFC

UFC Vegas 97 is in the books and it’s full steam ahead to UFC 306, AKA Noche UFC redux.

This past Saturday, Sean Brady scored the biggest win of his career, taking a unanimous decision over Gilbert Burns to put himself in the thick of the title hunt at 170 pounds. That wasn’t the biggest news of the week though as all-time great Demetrious Johnson stole the headlines by announcing his retirement from MMA.

We got questions on all of it this week so let’s dive right in.

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Demetrious Johnson

“If science tells us #chickenscantbegoats can a Mouse be a GOAT?”

The biggest news of the previous week was that Demetrious Johnson officially retired from MMA this past weekend. While we’ve already talked a bit about his legacy and place in the sport, now is as good a time as any to dive a little deeper.

Simply put, Demetrious Johnson is one of six male fighters who have a credible case for the title of Greatest of All Time. I understand that things like the GOAT debate are inherently subjective, but by reasonable standards, the list is DJ, Jose Aldo, Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Jon Jones, Fedor Emelianenko.

They are the only fighters who truly dominated their divisions for years on end with numerous title defenses. You will not find a bigger Khabib Nurmagomedov fan than I am, but his time at the top was cut short and so he’s left out in this particular conversation.

Now as far as the GOAT conversation goes, I don’t really care who you rank No. 1. So long as it’s one of those six, you’re not wrong because you can nitpick problems with any of their résumés. On any given day I might change my mind and prioritize one or the other because once you get into this pantheon of talent, it’s all splitting hairs.

But the important part is that he’s one of the six, which is incredibly exclusive company (more men have walked on the moon!).

On top of that, “Mighty Mouse” has a record which I don’t believe will be broken in our lifetimes: 11 UFC title defenses is categorically insane. He should actually share this record with Anderson Silva, but Silva’s fight against Travis Lutter didn’t count as a defense since Lutter missed weight.

In the current era of the UFC where every fighter is obsessed with champ-champ status, it’s exceedingly unlikely someone puts in the work to hold a belt for six or seven years without getting distracted. Alexander Volkanovski, Kamaru Usman, and Israel Adesanya are all-time greats. Each of them have five title defenses. DJ doubled them up. It’s insane.

And on top of all of this, Johnson is one of the few men in that GOAT pantheon that has no real controversy. He’s a great guy who never had any issues outside the cage. Anderson popped for performance-enhancing drugs; Fedor never fought in the UFC; Jon Jones… well, do I even need to go into all that?

Demetrious Johnson is one of the best fighters I’ve ever seen, and while I’m sad to see him walk away, I’m glad he’s doing it on his terms. The UFC Hall of Fame awaits.

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Alternate Universe

“Had DJ remained in the UFC and not been traded, do you think he would have regained the belt?”

When DJ retired last weekend, after I was done thinking about his greatest moments, the very next thought that struck me was how unfulfilling the end of his career was for me as a fan.

Johnson was one half of, to this point, the only trade in UFC history when Dana White shipped Mighty Mouse to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. It was a big deal at the time and ultimately a trade I think all parties were happy with.

DJ seemed to like ONE; got to do more things than just fight MMA; and got paid handsomely. ONE got to promote having the best fighter in the world; and the UFC got Askren who made headlines and drew interest. Ultimately elevated Jorge Masvidal to superstar status. That’s a win-win-win.

But though everyone made out well in the trade, I can’t help but think that we as fans lost a heck of a lot. Aside from his trilogy with Adriano Moraes, DJ’s fights in ONE simply weren’t that compelling. The odd mixed-rules fight with Rodtang was silly; and most others were forgettable.

Compare that with what could have happened if Johnson hadn’t been traded: A trilogy fight with Henry Cejudo first up—I personally thought DJ won their second fight too. It’s 50/50 that he just immediately reclaims the title and if that happens maybe Cejudo never moves up to bantamweight. Maybe DJ finally does?

Or if Johnson doesn’t go up to 135? We get to see him fight against new generation flyweights that came along after he left and Cejudo retired. You’re telling me you wouldn’t have loved to see Mighty Mouse vs. Deiveson Figueiredo or Brandon Moreno or Alexandre Pantoja? All those fights could have happened and would’ve been fun as hell.

Frankly? I still liked DJ’s chances in any of them.

So yes—I think he would’ve reclaimed the title—and I’m a bit sad we didn’t get to see his final act take place in UFC.

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UFC Vegas 97

“What does a Sean Brady vs. Ian Machado Garry fight look like—and are you interested in that next?”

Pivoting back to fight world stuff: Brady outworked Burns for a solid unanimous decision win in main event this past weekend—now pride of Philadelphia is back in title hunt earnestly.

Following his win Brady called for either top-5 opponent or matchup with Ian Machado Garry saying they share manager so should be easy to make happen—I’m not so sure about that.

While Brady is obviously excellent and deserves shot at big name—I’m very unconvinced that’s happening. The fight would technically be fighting up for Garry—but undefeated prospect seems to have eyes on bigger game—and with his name—he can command that.

I think Garry’s going get either Usman or Colby Covington—possibly even Leon Edwards (though Masvidal matchup makes most sense there).

On top of that—Brady’s recent loss to now-champion Belal Muhammad still takes some shine off fighting him—and most guys above him don’t seem likely accept fight—the one exception being Jack Della Maddalena who also recently defeated Burns (though by skin teeth)—so that’s fight may be possible—and if had guess—it’d be one I’d bet happens.

If Brady vs Garry fight does come pass—of course I’d be interested—we’re talking two supremely talented fighters—not sure Garry wins title—but absolutely certain he challenges for one during career—he’s young talented getting better every time out—Brady tier below—but right breaks could get title shot—and at welterweight anyone can have good night become champion—current champion & guy beat were once entirely dismissed by fan base—maybe Brady next line pick up mantle? Doubts—but been wrong plenty times before.

For sake thoroughness—I favor Garry matchup—Brady gets little better each time but striking still leaves lot desired—Garry huge advantage feet capable enough not let Brady run away via grappling.

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UFC 306

What if UFC 306/Noche UFC isn’t ‘greatest event human history’ &/or isn’t ‘most worst event UNIVERSE’ & it’s just mid event?

As round corner head home stretch Noche UFC there fair amount optimism surrounding how great event going be—but here thing—you promise “greatest live sporting event all-time”—better freaking deliver.
Will it? No idea—and apparently neither does Dana White.
My best guess Saturday’s event will actually disappoint vast majority fans—from talking people who been Sphere various shows—it undeniably cool—so lucky few who could pony up thousands dollars attend UFC 306—I suspect they’ll have great time.
But millions watching home ESPN+? Don’t really see how live experience translate through television screen.
And if so? Won’t matter—UFC too big fail at this point.
If UFC 306 under delivers broadcast experience fans won’t care especially fights good—you’re getting two title fights & one biggest stars sport defending belt—it rock solid card so’ll blow over quickly.

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Thanks reading thank everyone sent tweets (Xs?)! Do burning questions about things least somewhat related combat sports? Then luck send tweets me @JedKMeshew I’ll answer favorite ones! Doesn’t matter topical insane just long good.
Thanks again see y’all next week.