Demetrious Johnson shares ideal opponent, date for next fight

UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, who owns the record for most consecutive title defenses of any champion in UFC history, is currently recovering from a surgery. That said, he’s already eyeing his next fight.

While Johnson has expressed some disinterest in a potential fight with bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw in the past, he seems to have come around. Speaking during a MetroPCS Q&A in the buildup to UFC 220, Johnson announced that he’s hoping to fight Dillashaw this July, on a big card in the midst of the UFC’s International Fight Week.

“Recovery is going good,” Johnson said. “I had rotator cuff [surgery], labrum and joint clean-out. After 11 title defenses and 12 championship fights, the old dog needs to get some rehab. I got it cleaned up. [With] six weeks recovery, we can get strong again, and hopefully TJ. Dillashaw can get this match done. Hopefully July, International Fight Week, on a big, big card.”

Ever since he reclaimed the UFC bantamweight title with a second-round knockout of Cody Garbrandt, this is the fight TJ Dillashaw has been begging for.

“It’s a fight that needs to happen, a fight that wants to happen on multiple parties,” Dillashaw said on a recent episode of BJ Penn Radio. “Me, Demetrious, the UFC, the fans, it’s one that needs to happen, and yeah, it’s been in talks, that’s for sure.”

“This isn’t a money fight,” he continued. “I mean, this is a money fight, because of the skill. It’s who’s the best pound-for-pound. It’s not some bullshit hyped drama. This is what the sport is really about, it’s who is the best in the world. Demetrious got that number one spot. I feel like I’m the best fighter in the world, man, and I just want to prove it. DJ has my spot and I want to claim it. I’m the best pound-for-pound fighter. I had a couple split decision losses that I didn’t agree with it. If you throw those ones out of the way, I’d be on a 13 fight win streak, seven fight title defense. I’d be where I’m supposed to be, but this is the way for me to get to where I want to be. Demetrious is on top and it’s time for me to take him out.”

Do you think a Demetrious Johnson vs. TJ Dillashaw fight is the fight to make?

This article first appeared on BJPenn.com on 1/22/2018.