"I'm already planting the seeds" - Demetrious Johnson giving his sons a "head start" through BJJ if they want to pursue MMA
Mixed martial arts legend and reigning and undisputed ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion 'Mighty Mouse' Demetrious Johnson will not impose on his sons to follow in the footsteps of his MMA career. But he will lay down the foundation for them if they decide to partake in their father's trade.
The 38-year-old Johnson is a master of multiple styles of combat ranging from wrestling and jiu-jitsu to Muay Thai and kickboxing. However, it's the 'gentle art' in particular that 'Mighty Mouse' wants to teach his kids.
Speaking in a recent guest appearance on the Believe YOU ME Podcast with Michael Bisping, Johnson talked about getting his boys involved in Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
'Mighty Mouse' said:
"They all do jiu-jitsu. I feel jiu-jitsu, and grappling, and wrestling is probably their stronger suit to pursue mixed martial arts. I'm already planting the seeds. I'm already trying to make a good foundation."
He added:
"My [eldest] son is doing soccer, and Tyron is going to do track, so I'm working on their athletic ability so they can have great cardio, and explode and sprint. That if they want to do mixed martial arts, they're getting a headstart than I did. I didn't start training since I did wrestling, which is eigth grade in middle school."
Today, Johnson is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and is a staple in GOAT conversations. To have 'Mighty Mouse' as your father is probably the biggest headstart for anyone trying to get into the sport.
What's next for Demetrious Johnson?
'Mighty Mouse' Demetrious Johnson was last seen in a unanimous decision victory over rival Adriano 'Mikinho' Moraes at ONE Fight Night 10: Johnson vs. Moraes III on Prime Video.
There is no clear-cut opponent for Johnson up next, so the 38-year-old has been spending time competing in jiu-jitsu tournaments until he gets called back into the Circle.
However, fans do expect to see Johnson in action for ONE Championship at least once this year, perhaps on the Denver and Atlanta cards coming in a few months.