MMA legend, Demetrious Johnson made an interesting request post-UFC 301 to UFC CEO, Dana White. According to Johnson, flyweight contenders should not be headlining the main event of UFC events. UFC 301 was headlined by Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg for the flyweight title. Here is what Demetrious Johnson had to say about the bout on his YouTube channel:
Demetrious Johnson sat down on his YouTube channel to explain why flyweights should not headline the main events of UFC fights. He argued that the flyweight division does not attract the biggest crowds to make an event successful.
It’s very frustrating when I think they have to just let the flyweights be a co-main event. Don’t let us be main event because we don’t drive enough buzz to, obviously, garner a f*cking press conference.”
Demetrious Johnson via his YouTube channel
UFC champions get a percentage of the tickets they sell as pay-per-view points. Going by what Johnson said, if the UFC 301 card did not do over 200,000 buys, Alexandre Pantoja would not make anything. He would only be paid his base pay and that is all. That is why Johnson is interestingly opposed to flyweights headlining PPV events despite headlining quite a few himself during his days in the UFC.
The initial plans were for Alex Pereira and Jamahal Hill to face off for the light heavyweight title but that happened at UFC 300. In its place, Jose Aldo made a comeback after almost two years to fight at the co-main event. Pantoja and Erceg headlined the main event as Alexandre Pantoja successfully defended his title for the second time.
Demetrious Johnson reacts to Alexandre Pantoja vs. Steve Erceg at UFC 301
Demetrious Johnson is pretty busy on his YouTube around the time of UFC events. He has plans and predictions for almost all matchups and the after-reviews are pretty interesting as well. Johnson highlighted a few good points regarding the main event matchup at UFC 301.
Alexandre Pantoja defeats Steve Erceg via unanimous decision at UFC 301 (via X)Johnson revealed that he was impressed by Steve Erceg.
I honestly thought that Alex Pantoja was going to get his back and finish him. Steve Erceg was the better striker, he did way more damage in that fight. I think Steve Erceg just didn’t get going a lot sooner.
Demetrious Johnson on his YouTube channel
Demetrious Johnson criticizes Alexandre Pantoja’s performance at #UFC301, and compares him to past flyweight champions.
“I didn’t feel like Alex Pantoja was a better fighter… if you keep him away from his grappling… you can take advantage of him…
When I look at the past… pic.twitter.com/j3ee84NS8W
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) May 5, 2024
Johnson observed that Erceg was destroying Pantoja’s feet. Pantoja was bloodied up. Where Erceg did wrong, according to Johnson, was when he shot a double leg against the better grappler. This allowed Pantoja to stay in the fight and win. Demetrious Johnson did not feel like Alexandre Pantoja was the better fighter in the fight which is an interesting thing to say about the UFC flyweight champion.
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