“What an awesome fight man!” – Ex-rival congratulates Demetrious Johnson on his CRAZY KO victory
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Demetrious Johnson and Henry Cejudo
Henry Cejudo and Demetrious Johnson used to be close rivals – both of them being counted in the all-time elite tier in the UFC’s Flyweight division. Their rivalry has been seen as one of the most intense rivalries in the UFC – not primarily antics outside the octagon, but the sheer competitive nature of the division they made their home over the years.
Cejudo and Johnson first met at UFC 197 in 2016, with the latter TKOing Cejudo in the very first round. Johnson went on his 14-fight unbeaten streak, before being bested by Cejudo at UFC 227, in what was a split-decision victory. Most notably, that was “Mighty Mouse’s” last fight in the UFC.
Demetrious Johnson is a master of movement – much like Dominick Cruz, he has been able to utilize his wispy figure to cut in and out, and strike his opponents in a fashion that they either do not expect to be hit in, or that makes the damage too much to recover from. In a JRE Podcast, when asked to compare a UFC fighter to the other-worldly footwork and movement of Argentine football Leo Messi; Joe Rogan, without hesitating, named Johnson.
“It means a lot that you even called bro” – Johnson expresses gratitude to Cejudo in video-call with Demetrious Johnson
In 2018, the UFC infamously swapped Johnson for Welterweight fighter Ben Askren, following which “Mighty Mouse” began plying his trade in the ONE Championship.
In what is seen as one of the top-most career-defining moments for Johnson, “Mighty Mouse” submitted the fighter considered to be the pound-for-pound best in Muay Thai, Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The finish happened unexpectedly quick, in the second round, with many people having written off Johnson previously because of his age, and Rodtang’s skill.
In June this year, it was reported that Johnson would get a title shot against Adriano Moraes for the ONE Fighting Championship’s Flyweight title. The match ended in a stunning flying knee KO victory for Johnson, whose age has visibly not impacted his still-exquisite skill set and performance. The victory earned him a Performance of the Night bonus.
Amongst a heap of praise accorded to him, one video that stands out is of ex-rival Henry Cejudo cheering for him, and congratulating him in the wake of his outstanding performance. “What an awesome fight, man!” said Cejudo to which Johnson expressed his gratitude, by saying that “I’m just calling up to say what’s up man and I appreciate your support.” In a friendly back-and-forth, Cejudo asked Johnson if he had woken “the damn baby up.”
In more complimentary words, Cejudo lauded Johnson’s highly intelligent fighting style, saying that “People don’t know that IQ!” and “Your knees are your greatest gift.” A month ago, in a move that garnered respect from the MMA fan base, Henry Cejudo shared videos of him and “Mighty Mouse” training together for the latter’s title shot, putting behind any animosity that they might’ve had towards each other during their run-ins in the UFC.
Seems like two greats have put their animosity in the past, and worked together to create a winning formula. The 36-year-old Johnson just keeps getting better with age. What do you think is next for him – let us know in the comment section below!
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