Longstanding UFC flyweight champ Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has had enough of what he calls the promotion’s “mistreatment” and “bullying” tactics (such as this) and is speaking out. Johnson takes particular aim at UFC President Dana White in a statement to MMAFighting who he says has bullied him in the media and in private in order to get what he wants, even though it’s not in the champ’s best interests.
“For years I have been a company man and kept quiet, accepting fights, doing as they asked, and always remaining humble and grateful for the opportunities provided to me through mixed martial arts,” Johnson stated. “This is how I was raised through the sport. Unfortunately, UFC’s mistreatment and bullying has finally forced me to speak out. I’ve decided to speak out now as I feel like my values and character as a person and a fighter are being tarnished by an organization I’ve done nothing but sweat and bleed for over the last seven years of my life. If it takes me speaking up and encouraging other fighters to ban together to start getting fair treatment, then so be it.”
Read the full statement at MMAFighting to hear how the UFC allegedly tried bullying Demetrious into a fight with TJ Dillashaw and how they have been handling the whole situation. It’s pretty disgusting.
We’re talking about one of the pound-for-pound best to ever fight inside the octagon. Mighty Mouse said they even threatened to do away with the whole flyweight division in an attempt to force his hand. This new trend of fighters speaking up continues to gain momentum and at some point it will reach critical mass unless things start to change in the organization.
What makes this even sadder, is that Demetrious has always been a company man and carried himself in a professional manner. He’s represented the UFC championship in an exemplary manner inside and outside the cage. You won’t see him throwing water bottles at opponents at press conferences or talking tons of trash to hype a fight. What you will see is MMA precision at its finest. He deserves better. They all do.
“Mighty Mouse” is scheduled to appear on The MMA Hour today with Ariel Helwani at 3 p.m. ET to go more in-depth on everything.