ONE’s Demetrious Johnson ‘Excited For Life To Get Back To Normal’ (Exclusive)

Demetrious Johnson has been keeping himself in-shape through the coronavirus pandemic that has left the world of mixed martial arts at a stand-still.

The ONE Championship flyweight contender, though, is more anxious than anything for the world to return to a sense of normalcy.

“I’m more excited for life to get back to normal,” Johnson told FightLine in an exclusive interview. “Being able to see my buddies at the gym, train, take classes and be able to travel again. Also, to compete.”

A former UFC flyweight champion, “Mighty Mouse” has been aligned with ONE flyweight champion Adriano Moraes in a title fight. However, COVID-19 has kept the promotion from locking in an exact date for the card, which was one scheduled for April and also May. 

Johnson secured his shot at Moraes by claiming the ONE Flyweight Grand Prix with a decision victory over Danny Kingad last October. He also picked up victories over both Tatsumitsu Wada and Yuya Wakamatsu during the event. 

“For me, I have been riding my Peloton bike, doing long-distance running up to 15 miles a week, lots of push-ups, pull-ups and that’s about it,” he said. “I think it all comes down to diet in my personal opinion (in regards to being ready to compete again).”

Overall, the 33-year-old Johnson holds a career record of 30-3-1 including 12 victories by way of submission and five more by either knockout or TKO. 

During his UFC run, Johnson set a record for most consecutive title defenses at 11 and also became the second fighter to win bonus payments via Fight, Knockout, Submission and Performance of the Night.

“Mighty Mouse” Understands Himself, Future

The delay in competing again, though, is nothing new to Johnson, who said “I have had long layoffs before from injuries so it will be like going right back to work.”

As for how he has handled this pandemic, Johnson has remained the same as ever.

“It hasn’t changed my outlook on life,” he said. “It just shows me once I’m ready to retire, I’ll be fine not competing anymore.”