Demetrious Johnson eyeing historic 10th title defense in April

UFC flyweight kingpin Demetrious Johnson is currently the longest reigning UFC champion, and with his 10th title defense on the horizon, ‘Mighty Mouse’ is calling for an April fight with perspective flyweight #1 contender Wilson Reis.

Johnson spoke to MMAFighting about the situation, saying:

“My next fight is set to tie Anderson Silva’s record for the most consecutive title fight defenses in UFC history. I put it out in the media and to UFC, immediately after my last fight, that I wanted to do it in Las Vegas in March. Unfortunately, the next guy in line was fighting in February, so it had to be pushed back. Ideally, I would like to do it in Las Vegas where family, friends and followers can attend and witness history being made, as I attempt to reach the greatest pinnacle in mixed martial arts, while remaining the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in the world.

“The next date the UFC matchmaker gave me is April 15 in Kansas City. I don’t want to wait all the way until July for another Las Vegas card before I fight again, so west coast friends, family and followers would have to travel a little further, but Kansas City is doable, and I’m sure it’s going to be a hungry crowd in attendance. I’m ready to do this on April 15 on Fox and pay my respects to one of the greatest fighters of all time by tying his record and joining him in history.”

Johnson is likely eyeing Wilson Reis for his historic title defense. While the Alliance MMA fighter has not been officially promised the title shot by the UFC, many expect Reis to get the nod given his impressive 3-fight win streak that has seen him win his last 3 fights. In addition, Reis called for a fight with Johnson after his most recent win last month.

on 3/3/2017.