Demetrious Johnson says historic mixed-rules bout with Rodtang will be part of his legacy: "I was flattered"
Demetrious Johnson cemented his status as one of the greatest of all time during his run in ONE Championship.
Of course, winning the flyweight Grand Prix and the world championship showed that 'Mighty Mouse' was still right at the top of the food chain.
However, it was one other fight that really looked to push Johnson by taking him out of his comfort zone.
Not many mixed martial artists would be willing to fight Rodtang Jitmuangnon in a Muay Thai fight, even if it means the second round taking place in MMA.
That's exactly what the flyweight MMA champ signed up for at ONE: X, where, after coming through a tough round of Muay Thai, he was able to make the second round in MMA count by securing a submission victory over 'The Iron Man'.
Following his retirement at ONE 168, Johnson reflected on how this fight came together, explaining the negotiation process with ONE Championship:
"Each time ONE Championship called me, when they called me for the Rodtang fight, they asked, 'Do you want Rodtang?' And I was like, 'Honestly guys, I was flattered. I don't care about being a world champion in Muay Thai. But I'll fight Rodtang in big-ounce gloves.' And then they were like, 'Nah, we don't wanna do that.' And then they called me back for the mixed-rules fight, and I was like, 'Okay, let's make it happen.'"
Watch the full press conference below:
This fight helped Demetrious Johnson regain his confidence
Though this fight doesn't factor into his legendary run in mixed martial arts, it certainly had a huge impact on Demetrious Johnson.
He has spoken publicly about how this fight was really important to him because it forced him to adapt to a new challenge. After being stopped for the first time in his career in his first meeting with Adriano Moraes, it allowed him to regain his confidence when striking.
If he could last a round with Rodtang, not to mention the countless rounds of Muay Thai he was putting in, 'Mighty Mouse' was ready to compete at the highest level again.
He showed that in his rematch with Moraes, where Johnson produced the best knockout of his entire career.
The full replay of ONE 168 is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.