Johnson Demetrious is a name that cannot be brushed aside when listing MMA A-list fighters. With over 30 wins, 1 loss and 1 draw, the Kentucky-born fighter has raked in close to 30 awards and titles, including being the first UFC Flyweight Champion for eleven consecutive seasons from 2012 to 2018. Also, Johnson has a fanbase stretching all over the globe. For a promising fighter like him, there is certainly more yet to come.
Taking a cursory look at Johnson Demetrious’ background, one thing is apparent, his childhood was anything but pleasant. Nevertheless, he came out triumphant through sheer determination and dedication.
Johnson Demetrious Started His Career With A Winning Streak
When he first graced the rings in 2007, it did not take too long before Johnson clinched his first Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) win via a first-round knockout. In the months that followed, he fought on several other local matches and aced his next eight fights.
What’s most dramatic about these wins is, five out of eight came through submission. His first major break came when he fought at the Alaska Fighting Championships in Anchorage and won via head kick KO, which earned him a deal with the World Extreme Cagefighting (WEC).
Perhaps these early victories had something to do with his rough childhood memories. When you consider that young Johnson was left to fend for himself and his mother who is hard of hearing, it’s easy to see why he gave MMA his all. Apparently, there was no other option. Johnson has never met his biological father and the precise ethnic history of his paternal side remains elusive. That meant putting up with his stepfather’s abuse for a long time until he was old enough to stand on his own.
He Became The First To Defeat Nick Pace In The MMA
Although his victorious start earned him a deal with the WEC, the good fortune started to elude him at some point. In April 2010, on his first fight in WEC, Johnson lost to Brad Pickett. To make up for his initial loss, four months down the line, he fought and defeated Nick Pace. Reports have it that this was Pace’s first loss in MMA. From all indication, nothing seemed like a worthy obstacle to Johnson once his eyes are set on the prize.
Exactly one month after signing with WEC, WEC merged with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As a result, all WEC’s fighters were transferred to UFC and Johnson was no exception. This move eventually set the stage for his groundbreaking victories. In February 2011, the agile athlete faced the renowned Japanese fighter Norifumi Yamamoto at UFC 126. Predictably, Johnson emerged victoriously.
After that, Johnson went on to face the likes of Miguel Torres in May 2011. He also faced other reputable fighters such as Ian McCall in the Flyweight Tournament in March 2012 and won.
We can say these victories never came for Johnson by wishful thinking. The Kentucky-born athlete worked his arms off to record such successes. Like a rollercoaster in motion, success presented itself through opportunities and like every wise person would do, Johnson took the jump. He eventually faced Joseph Benavidez in the finals of the UFC Flyweight Tournament in September 2012 and won. This achievement made him the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion. He would go on to defend this title for eleven straight seasons in six years.
The ESPY Award For Fighter Of The Year In 2017 Went To Him
Due to his impeccable records in the UFC, Demetrious Johnson was given the ESPY Award for Fighter of The Year in July 2017. The following month, he clashed with Ray Borg and as you can guess, he won. Seemingly, success was always embedded in his every move. His victory over Borg earned him the Performance of the Night Award.
Other awards Johnson has won include FoxSports.com’s 2013 Fighter of the Year, Bleacher Report’s 2017 Fighter of the Year & 2017 Submission of the Year, as well as ESPN 2017 Submission of the Year among several others.
He Lost The UFC Flyweight Championship To Henry Cejudo
To crown it all, sources such as Sherdog, MMA Mania.com and The Mac Life all agree that Johnson’s victory streak was regarded as the best submission of the year. With all these victories, it came as a shock when he suffered defeat at the hands of Henry Cejudo and lost the UFC Flyweight Championship which he held for eleven seasons.
In November 2018, Johnson announced he would be a participant in One Flyweight Grand Prix. On December 19, 2018, it was announced that Johnson will face Yuya Wakamatsu at One Championship: New Era on March 31, 2019, in the promotion’s inaugural event in Japan. In his ONE Championship debut, Demetrious Johnson defeated Yuya Wakamatsu. Seeing the ease of his victory, one would assume that he did this effortlessly but it was all a product of hard practice and resilience on Johnson’s part.
Never one to give up or back out from a challenge, Johnson faced Danny Kingad at One Champion: Century in the finals of One Champion Flyweight Grand-Prix in October 2019. This victory made Johnson the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix Champion. Over the years, the young fighter built a legacy that will certainly outlive him.
Johnson Demetrious May Not Be Leaving ONE Championship
Since Johnson was transferred from the UFC to ONE Championship in 2018, the fighter is showing no signs of switching back into the American space. It seems his two years in the Asian promotion has paid off well. According to Johnson, he will retire at ONE Championship.
He “loves” the organization, everything they stand for and how they take care of their athletes. As of the time of this writing, we are in the dark about what he is up to. However, he promises more spectacular performances in the future.
He Is Worth Over $6 Million
Thanks to his phenomenal achievements, the young fighter has amassed a lot of wealth for himself throughout his career. Johnson Demetrious’s wealth is estimated to be over $6 million. Since the fighter is still at the climax of his career, his wealth is expected to keep rising.
He is one of the wealthiest fighters in MMA and he shares all that fortune with a few special people in his life. Who are they?
Demetrious Is Married With Three Kids
Having grown up in an emotionally cold environment, Johnson could not have been more blessed when he met his heartthrob Destiny almost a decade ago. Oftentimes, he admits that Destiny has been a huge support to his career success. The lovebirds tied the knot in May 2012 in the island of Hawaii.
They are blessed with three adorable kids: Tyron (b. 2013), Maverick (b. 2015) and a cute little girl born in 2018. Johnson dots on his three kids. One can say he deserves to be happy and a lot more considering where he’s coming from. Also, Destiny Johnson adores her husband. She gushes about his insane work ethic and sense of dedication. She believes he is the best at what he does.
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