"Gi needs to be in bigger stages" - MMA legend Demetrious Johnson calls for spotlight on BJJ gi matches

ONE flyweight MMA world champion and consensus MMA GOAT Demetrious Johnson has fallen in love with Brazilian jiu-jitsu in the recent past.

'Mighty Mouse,' who always finds a way to challenge himself at the highest levels, has even taken BJJ's Gi world by storm by competing and dominating IBJJF tournaments at the brown belt level.

'DJ' has certainly come to appreciate the technical skill that comes from donning the traditional gi in combat - so much so that the 37-year-old icon is baffled why 'The Gentle Art' is not getting the global recognition it deserves.

In his latest appearance on The MMA Hour, Johnson wondered why BJJ isn't even recognized as an Olympic sport, saying:

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"I'm not sure. I don't know [why BJJ is not in the Olympics]. Because you have judo and wrestling. I don't know why."

Moreover, the American legend said Gi BJJ should also be given the chance to break into the mainstream, much like no-gi and submission grappling have. He added:

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"I think it will be great. I think the gi grapplers need to get paid more money. I think gi needs to be in bigger stages, personally."

Check out Demetrious Johnson's full interview with Ariel Helwani:

Demetrious Johnson vows to win double gold in his next BJJ competition

For now, Demetrious Johnson is exercising his competitive juices through BJJ tournaments.

'Mighty Mouse' made headlines recently when he subdued and submitted a massive 250-pound opponent in an openweight bracket in the 2024 IBJJF Pans.

However, 'DJ' rues his silver medal finish in the Absolute and promises to get that elusive double-gold finish when he dons the gi anew. He said on The MMA Hour:

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"When I go to IBJJF and I see these motherf**kers winning their division and winning open divisions and having two golds, I want that. That's what I want."

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