John Dodson open to third Demetrious Johnson fight at bantamweight

Nissi Icasiano

This is AI generated summarization, which may have errors. For context, always refer to the full article.

John Dodson open to third Demetrious Johnson fight at bantamweight

Josh Albelda/ABS-CBN

John Dodson doesn't mind welcoming Demetrious Johnson to the bantamweight division

MANILA, Philippines – With buzzing rumors circulating that UFC flyweight titleholder Demetrious Johnson is planning to move up to bantamweight, Filipino-American fighter John Dodson has no reservations about welcoming him to the division.

Since capturing the inaugural UFC flyweight championship in June 2012, Johnson solidified his status as one of the best pound-for-pound competitors in mixed martial arts today,

The 29-year-old “Mighty Mouse” has successfully defended his gold-plated strap on 8 different occasions, including his first-round stoppage victory over Henry Cejudo this past April.

According to Johnson’s longtime trainer Matt Hume, there is no more to prove in the 125-pound weight class for his valued pupil.

Dodson, who transferred to bantamweight claimed a 47-second knockout triumph over Manny Gamburyan last April, does not mind crossing paths with the UFC flyweight champion again at 135 pounds.

“The possibility is high, especially how I knocked out Manny Gamburyan in 47 seconds. Demetrious Johnson is getting tired at 125,” he told Rappler.

Both men already fought twice inside the Octagon, with Johnson coming out on top of their first encounter in January 2013 via razor-thin decision victory before carving out a convincing unanimous decision win against Dodson in their September 2015 rematch. 

“I dropped him 3 times in the first fight, and I thought I won,” Dodson said about the maiden meeting with Johnson.

As Johnson’s projected change in division looms, the 125-pound weight class’ kingpin is being paired with reigning UFC bantamweight titlist Dominick Cruz for a super-fight.

Johnson was unable to dethrone Cruz when the two squared off against each other in October 2011.

Despite having an impressive résumé as a flyweight, Dodson refuses to be embittered that his name is not being mentioned as next in line for Cruz’s UFC title.

“His name (Johnson) can be out there being praised as one of the greatest fighters. But the same thing is going to happen Dominick Cruz fights Demetrious Johnson. And Demetrious Johnson is going to lose for the second time,” he commented about the match-up.

Currently occupying the No. 9 spot in the bantamweight rankings, Dodson issued a stern warning to every competitor and newcomer in the UFC’s 135-pound weight class as he is willing to face anyone to improve his standing in the division.

“Everybody in the roster said no to me. If they can sit there and choose, I want them to hide and line up because I will knock out every single one of them,” the 5-foot-3 Jackson-Wink MMA representative said. – Rappler.com

Add a comment

Sort by

There are no comments yet. Add your comment to start the conversation.

Summarize this article with AI

How does this make you feel?

Loading
Download the Rappler App!