Demetrious johnson Recalls Dana White‘s surprising Pound-for-Pound pick
Demetrious Johnson, widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, recently shared a fascinating anecdote about a conversation with UFC President Dana White. The story reveals a candid moment during a Snoop Dogg concert, offering insight into White’s perspective on fighter rankings and potential career moves for “Mighty Mouse.”
Johnson recounted the exchange, highlighting a surprising assessment from the UFC boss. He explained that White, while enjoying a Bud Light, asserted that Johnson wasn’t the world’s best pound-for-pound fighter.
“Dana White, I’ll never forget,” Johnson began, setting the scene. ”We’re at a Snoop Dogg concert, and he goes, ‘you know what? You’re not the best pound-for-pound fighter in the world.'”
Naturally, Johnson inquired as to who was deserving of the title. White’s answer was even more unexpected: Conor McGregor.
“He goes, ‘you know who is? Conor McGregor… You know why? Because he would fight anybody,'” Johnson recalled with a touch of disbelief. “I was like, ‘guy just got f– knocked out, what are you talking about?'”
This revelation came during a period when Johnson was dominating the flyweight division. It also coincided with discussions about a potential move up in weight to challenge then-bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw.
It appears White was subtly attempting to negotiate a more lucrative and high-profile fight for Johnson. Johnson’s response was direct and pragmatic.
“I think he was trying to negotiate, trying to get me to go up and fight TJ,” Johnson stated. “And I was like, oh, just pay me a million dollars…”
Despite the unconventional approach, Johnson expressed respect for White’s directness. He acknowledged that White was willing to have this conversation with him face-to-face.
This story offers a glimpse into the complex dynamics between fighters and promoters. It also underscores the business side of MMA, where rankings and matchups are often influenced by factors beyond pure athletic merit.
Here’s what you can take away from this exchange:
Pound-for-Pound Debate: The criteria for determining the ”best” fighter are subjective and frequently enough tied to marketability.
Promotional Influence: A fighter’s willingness to take on any opponent isn’t always the sole determinant of their ranking.
Negotiating Tactics: Promoters may use rankings as leverage in contract negotiations.
respectful Dialog: Even when disagreeing, open interaction between fighters and promoters is crucial.
Ultimately, Johnson’s story is a reminder that the world of professional fighting is a blend of athletic prowess, business acumen, and personal relationships. It’s a world where even a dominant champion can be challenged to prove their worth – and their price.
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