One of the greatest ever MMA fighters, Demetrious Johnson recently announced his retirement from the sport. At the age of 38, Johnson left MMA at the top as the reigning ONE Flyweight Champion. Amidst his retirement, his former boss and UFC CEO Dana White has shared some views about their controversial relationship.
Before causing mayhem in the ONE Championship, Demetrious Johnson had a dominating UFC career. However, his departure from the promotion was rather unfair, according to many fans. A lot of that has to do with DJ’s contentious relationship with Dana White. Recently, during an interview, White was asked about DJ’s retirement and the CEO revealed that he has nothing against the fighter.
Who’s defended Demetrious Johnson more than me? Good for him. Incredible career he had. I’ve never had a problem with Demetrious Johnson
Dana White via Grind City Media
In the past, Johnson and Dana White disagreed on promotional problems and compensation. Despite his overwhelming champion status, Johnson felt underpromoted and underpaid. He was allegedly never given PPV points and was paid less than CM Punk. DJ has accused the promotion of bullying and disregarding his preferences and achievements.
Dana White reacts to Demetrious Johnson’s retirement, says he’ll “absolutely” get inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame 🏆
“Who’s defended Demetrious Johnson more than me? Good for him. Incredible career he had. I’ve never had a problem with Demetrious Johnson.”
(via… pic.twitter.com/Mr93ufTMuk
— Full Violence ™ (@Full_Violence) September 8, 2024
The conflict became public in 2017, and both sides expressed their dissatisfaction. Johnson’s UFC career ended in 2018 after he was moved to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. Throughout the saga, White was seen frequently criticizing DJ for being the lowest-selling pay-per-view star in UFC history. Now with his recent comment, fans have started to point out the fallacy.
Demetrious Johnson is a fan favorite and is respected by a lot of professional fighters. The fighter often gets into the GOAT list of others due to his achievements. The former UFC pound-for-pound ace had defended his flyweight title a whopping 11 times in his UFC tenure.
However, Now that he’s retired, many fans believe that DJ never got the superstar status that he deserved. According to them, Dana White is one of the major reasons for it. Here are some notable reactions:
Pretty sure there a video of Dana saying directly to the camera that Conor was better than DJ.
— The It Factor MMA (@TheItFactorMMA) September 8, 2024
Dana literally paid him worse than CM Punk, refused to give him ppv points, and then shipped him off to ONE first chance. All while plotting to close the division he fought in lmao https://t.co/5xCKfmi8jF
— Shed Boy (@Callum_JN) September 8, 2024
Paid him less than CM Punk.
Didn’t let him have PPV points either.— DW – Dale Wilson (@ThisIsNotDSP) September 8, 2024
Although White mentioned that Johnson deserves a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame, fans didn’t have any of it. Many questioned whether White doesn’t think UFC fans are smart enough to remember his past comments on DJ. Fans accused White of lying and wrongfully controlling the narrative, something he’s infamous for doing.
!
