"That's what I want" - Demetrious Johnson says winning double gold in BJJ tournaments is the next goal
Reigning ONE flyweight MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson added to his growing legend with his spectacular performance at the 2024 IBJJF Pans.
The diminutive 'Mighty Mouse' certainly left a lot of jaws on the floor after submitting a massive mountain of a man twice his size in the tournament's brown belt Masters Absolute Division.
The 37-year-old MMA icon went on to bag gold in his division and a second-place finish in the openweight. Since 'DJ' is the ultimate competitor, he admitted missing out on double gold ignited a fire inside him.
In a recent guest appearance on The MMA Hour, Johnson revealed why he's not too keen on an MMA return.
"I'm not too concerned with mixed martial arts right now. When I go to Instagram and I see the champions with their UFC belts and ONE Championship belts, the double belts and stuff, I don't want that."
Moreover, the American legend admitted he's more intrigued with gi BJJ at the moment and won't stop until he gets that elusive double gold finish. He added:
"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."
Watch Demetrious Johnson's full conversation with Ariel Helwani:
Demetrious Johnson enjoys not having to cut weight in BJJ tourneys
As someone who's been dealing with weight cuts for most of his professional career, Demetrious Johnson is thriving in the BJJ scene's same-day weigh-ins.
Speaking with Michael Bisping on the Believe Me You podcast, 'DJ' said he's enjoying going to battle with opponents regardless of size.
"Now, being 37 years old, when I do jiu-jitsu, I can either go 141 or can go 154 [pounds]. Huge jump in weight. But the thing about jiu-jitsu, is we do the gi and we do the tournaments is you have to weigh in and they put you in the bullpen. You have to fight like 30 minutes after you weigh in, which I love that."
'Mighty Mouse' continued:
"If you beat me cause you're bigger, congratulations. That's how it is."