Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is the most recent MMA legend to precise profound curiosity in transferring to boxing.
Johnson has gone viral in current months for his performances in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu competitions. He submitted a 250-pound competitor at a current match, surprising the likes of Joe Rogan and others.
Johnson hasn’t selected his MMA future since defeating Adriano Moraes of their ONE trilogy in Could 2023. He’s remained lively in submission grappling matches and hasn’t dominated out an MMA return for the fitting opponent.
Johnson isn’t afraid to tackle steep challenges, and his subsequent bucket record merchandise might be an look contained in the boxing ring.
Demetrious Johnson envisions at the very least one boxing combat earlier than retiring
Throughout a current episode of the MightyCast podcast with Renato Moicano, Johnson defined how doing a breakdown on Canelo Alvarez enhanced his need to field.
“I’m gonna break some information proper now. I got here residence final night time, broke down some content material, and was watching Canelo Alvarez, watching him field,” Johnson defined. “And I used to be like ‘Oh my god, that appears so rattling dope’. Went to the gymnasium, did Jiu-Jitsu, then got here residence and [told my wife I think I want to box]…
“I’m 37, going to be 38 this 12 months. There comes a time limit when an athlete must cease, chill…I’m preparing for my subsequent Jiu-Jitsu competitors. So when my physique is prepared for a tough coaching camp, I’d like to field. And it must be the fitting opponent. It if was Manny Pacquiao, f*** it, I’m doing it. I don’t wish to field one other MMA man, I wouldn’t thoughts, however I wish to field a legend of the game.”
Former UFC stars reminiscent of Anderson Silva, Tyron Woodley, and Vitor Belfort have made the transfer to boxing lately. Former UFC featherweight champion José Aldo has additionally turned to boxing, a pursuit he’s anticipated to renew after UFC 301 this weekend.
Johnson is among the most technical fighters to ever compete in MMA, and if he makes the transfer to boxing for at the very least one bout, he may take pleasure in some monetary and aggressive success.