Demetrious Johnson Deep Dive part 1

 Mighty Mouse: Then & Now

- part 1 -

Let's take a closer look into the rise of 

Demetrious 'Mighty Mouse' Johnson

By Michael Jones - @keepingitrealmma

& 

Dave Manley - @mmabobblehead

            In his prime we knew him as the gentleman, video gamer, and athletic ninja. He was the first guy to finish perennial contendor Joseph Benavidez. He was the undisputed flyweight champion of the UFC and no one could touch him. Alas, that's not the same guy we know today, he's evolved in the pursuit of different challenges on different landscapes. To understand who Demetrious Johnson is now, we must first look back at where he came from. 

            He was born in the bourbon capital of the U.S. and raised in the Parkland suburbs outside Tacoma, WA. He was scouted for combat sports from a very young age, 13, when his future high school wrestling coach persuaded him to try out. He made huge strides having had no prior experience, placing 3rd at state championships his junior year and 2nd at state championships his senior year. For perspective, the majority of modern elite wrestlers start in middle school, if not elementary. With a surge like that and so much potential ahead of him, one would think he was meant for the mats and the college stage was inevitable. Turns out, that is not where he ended up. A family man at heart, he chose to work, attend a local college and help his audibly impaired mother. This integrity might have equipped him to be the great father he is today, but where did that leave his future in combat sports?

            That was 2003, fast froward to 2005 when he "stumbles" upon an 'mma reality show' *coughs under breath, The Ultimate Fighter* starring Rashad Evans. Go figure, how many of us caught the UFC bug from the early seasons of that show? Show of hands. Yeah, damn near all of us. In a twist of fate Johnson decided, upon advice from a friend, to join the gym AMC Pankration. *editor's note* I couldn't believe it when I read this, he has been with the same head coach, in Matt Hume, for his entire 17 year career. That is both ridiculous and awesome at the same time. Obviously he is very loyal. In 2006 he made his amateur debut with a first round TKO finish and he was off to the races. 

            He remained undefeated as an amateur and made his pro debut in 2009 with a 1st round submission by rear naked choke. That was at bantamweight where he fought for multiple promoters, including World Extreme Cagefighting, a legendary 'lighter-weight fight' organization that was eventually bought out by Zuffa, then parent company of the UFC.  Johnson would go 6-1 as a pro before dropping his final bantamweight bout to former bantamweight G.O.A.T. Dominick Cruz. This result timed perfectly with a very appropriate move down in weight, a move inspired by the upcoming inaugural UFC flyweight tournament. Johnson worked his way into an extremely enticing semi-final bout versus Ian McCall. At the time, McCall was considered the best flyweight in the sport, coming off a 4 fight win streak over the likes of Jussier Formiga and Dustin Ortiz. Johnson fought hard, winning the first two rounds, but losing badly the last round. The war would be declared a draw, in a fight where most pundits thought he would have a hard go of it before the bout and thought even less of his chances after the fact. 

            McCall would finish the final round of that fight on Johnsons back, in full control with both hooks in, reigning down blows and hollering at the crowd. It was a true sight to behold. 3 months later and the rematch was booked, this time we would really find out who the best flyweight in the world was. As fate continued to spin it's spectacular web, Mighty Mouse Johnson would clearly win the rematch, showcasing dominant cage control and dropping McCall a couple times on the feet. Now the stage was set for his second attempt at UFC gold. His opponent would be Joseph Benavidez, the resilient grappler stand out from Sacramento based team alpha male. This could be his first time winning a championship belt under the banner of a major worldwide fight organization.