Demetrious Johnson, the current One Championship flyweight champion, had a storied run in the UFC where he was the long-reigning flyweight champion. Johnson still holds the record for the most title defenses in UFC history, a record he shares with Jon ‘Bones’ Jones.
Despite his credentials in the UFC, Johnson had a contentious relationship with Dana White, then-UFC President and now-CEO. The legendary flyweight fighter discussed this in a recent reaction video on his YouTube channel, titled ‘THE VICTIMS OF DANA WHITE?? INSTANT REACTION!’
Demetrious Johnson blasts Dana White over PPV points
Dana White had high hopes for Demetrious Johnson when the UFC opened a flyweight division for men. However, Johnson proved to be less popular among casual fans and didn’t do well in the PPV market. White even leveled accusations and even blasted Johnson on numerous occasions.
Johnson responded to White’s remarks on his recent video on YouTube. “I fought and fought, they specifically said we don’t give PPV points to flyweight guys. When Dana White says I didn’t want PPV points, that’s not true. I asked for PPV points,” said Johnson who stated that the UFC gave a massive pay and PPV points for CM Punk on his UFC debut.
CM Punk made a $500K base salary for his two fights in the UFC. Moreover, the PPV points associated with it enabled him to make millions in his two-fight stint in the UFC after he left the WWE. Punk is often called the worst fighter in UFC history by fight fans.
For context, Johnson had a $350K base salary even when he defended the title eight times in the division. The UFC even had plans to scrap the flyweight division but Johnson’s split decision loss to Henry Cejudo changed the plans.
Dana White once allegedly called Demetrious Johnson “dumbass”
Demetrious Johnson’s title triumph at One Championship was not without hardship. Johnson was knocked out for the first time in his career by Adriano Moraes in his first title fight at the promotion. After the loss, a rematch was scheduled and Johnson appeared on MMA Hour studio days before the event.
On the MMA Hour, Johnson recalled an interesting story about him and Dana White. “Dana White never called me when I was in the UFC. He called and he goes, ‘You dumbass! You just ruined this whole thing we’re trying to set up for you! Blah, blah, blah,’” said Johnson to Ariel Helwani as per MMA Fighting.
The incident stemmed from Johnson’s reaction on Twitch upon learning that the winner of TUF 24 was offered a title shot against him. Johnson expressed his belief that other fighters, such as Joseph Benavidez, deserved the opportunity more.
Dana White became aware of Johnson’s comments and subsequently contacted him. However, White’s demeanor shifted after discovering that Sean Shelby had not informed Johnson beforehand. Tim Elliot, the winner of TUF 24, eventually challenged Johnson but lost via unanimous decision.
Nonetheless, after his appearance on the MMA Hour, Johnson won the rematch against Moraes via knockout and also won the trilogy via unanimous decision in the promotion’s first event hosted in the USA. Even though Johson considers his move to One Championship the best move of his career, the promotion has also come under scrutiny for MMA contracts that have been alleged to be very restrictive.
Do you think the UFC and Dana White mistreated Demetrious Johnson? Leave your thoughts below!
