Demetrious Johnson explains strategic plans for matchups beyond the record

UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson (26-2-1)  has the chance to set the record for the most consecutive UFC title defenses on Saturday night at UFC 216.

“Mighty Mouse” is currently tied with former UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva as they both hold 10 consecutive title defenses each. However, Johnson is still the champion and has the possibility of racking up much more title defenses to add to his record, unlike Silva at this point.

Johnson will look to make history against challenger Ray Borg in the co-main event of UFC 216 but if successful, “Mighty Mouse” says he will have a different focus for his matchups moving forward with the help of new management under Malki Kawa.

“We will be more focused on getting big fights,” Johnson told Fighters Only Mag. “A lot of people don’t understand that a lot of the champions and big fighters make most of their money on these big mega cards. For example, Joanna Jedrzejczyk has been on the Conor (McGregor) and Ronda (Rousey) cards. I’m pretty sure she has made millions from being on those cards. It’s not about title fights anymore. It really isn’t. It’s whether or not you can get on the big cards. It’s a difference of hundreds of thousands of dollars. That’s what I think Malki wants to focus on: trying to get me on big cards. Down the road, if there is a big fight opportunity and the money is right, then we will make it happen.”

While Johnson has to get past Borg on Saturday night to ensure he has the leverage with being a champion, “Mighty Mouse” says that he is excited at the opportunity at hand with making UFC history.

“It would mean a lot,” said Johnson. “I am chartering into unchartered territory. I feel like f**king Captain Spock from Star Trek. I’m going to a place no man has ever gone before.”

Do you think Demetrious Johnson will make history on Saturday night and set the all-time record for most consecutive UFC title defenses? Let’s get your prediction in the comment section!

on 10/6/2017.