Demetrious Johnson’s values found a perfect match with ONE Championship

Demetrious Johnson did not hesitate to sign with ONE Championship after learning about their core values and how they treat their athletes from CEO Chatri Sityodtong. His excitement was evident when he flew to Singapore to witness a live ONE event late last year.

“I’m very excited to be a ONE athlete,” Johnson said.

“The biggest thing that I loved about my first time in Singapore was seeing how passionate Chatri is about the company and the athletes, always talking about honor, respect, discipline, integrity, and humility.”

A 12-time UFC flyweight champion, Johnson believes that a mixed martial arts promotion should not only focus on sales and stats but should also promote good values for their athletes to be well-rounded people.

“I think values are everything,” Johnson said. “Not just as a martial artist but as a human being, as a father, as a husband. If we don’t have values, then what are we living our lives on?”

As Demetrious Johnson watched and listened to Sityodtong’s speech about the company he built and what they are trying to impart to their audience and the rest of the world, he found himself agreeing with everything he heard.

“I think the whole company of ONE Championship understands the values that Chatri is trying to display to the world, and I am full 100 percent supportive of that,” Johnson said.

Now that he is a member of the ONE roster, Johnson is not only excited to showcase the world-class skills that brought him immense success in the UFC, but also the core values that he identifies with as a mixed martial artist and as a human being.

Johnson is ready to back up his words on 31 March in Tokyo, Japan when he faces off with Yuya Wakamatsu at ONE: A NEW ERA in the quarter-finals of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix.

“Expect me to bring the same values as I always brought in mixed martial arts,” Johnson concluded. “Always carrying myself with humility, having honor, and always respecting my opponents. And obviously displaying my skills.”

By Dan Paulo Errazo

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 2/18/2019.