"It might happen down the line" - Demetrious Johnson not closing the door on doing submission grappling matches in ONE
ONE flyweight MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson has been completing 'side quests' as of late with his dominance in IBJJF gi jiu-jitsu tournaments.
While 'Mighty Mouse' has yet to make a decision about his future in mixed martial arts, it seems he's been all-in when it comes to grappling-exclusive matches.
ONE Championship, of course, has seamlessly blended matches in 'The Gentle Art' to its blockbuster combat sports events.
Appearing in an episode of the JAXXON Podcast with fellow MMA superstars Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson and Luke Rockhold, Johnson gave an honest response about possibly doing a grappling contest in the world's largest martial arts organization:
"I think if I want to do jiu-jitsu [in ONE], who knows? It might happen down the line. [Right now], I just enjoy the tournament style. 30 motherf***ers show up, only one champion can win. I don't want to be like, 'I'm fighting you in six months for jiu-jitsu.' Who knows. Maybe one day my tune will change."
Watch the full interview:
There will certainly be no shortage of worthy opponents if Demetrious Johnson decides to forego the four-ounce gloves for a rashguard in ONE.
Reigning flyweight submission grappling world champion Mikey Musumeci is in the same weight class as DJ. For sure, there would be a lot of eyes on if this dream showdown ever comes to fruition.
Demetrious Johnson says jiu-jitsu gets his heart pumping
While the thought of retirement has crossed Demetrious Johnson several times, his burning desire for competition prevents him from doing so.
For now, it's the thrill of BJJ tournaments, which is somewhat new for him, that gives him that rush.
'Mighty Mouse' said in an earlier interview on the Believe You Me Podcast:
"I've done [MMA] for so long at the highest of the highest level. I headlined UFC cards. I headlined ONE Championship cards."
The MMA GOAT candidate added:
"I'm doing jiu-jitsu tournaments now. It's the only thing that gets me excited, that gets my heart pumping."