Is it possible to gain recognition without having a grudge match with a specific opponent? Do you need a trilogy to settle it all? Do you need to defeat a seemingly unbeatable opponent? Let’s take a look at a champion who earned a name for himself by being consistently good at what he does.
Demetrious Johnson’s defining championship win came at UFC 152 on September 22, 2012, when he defeated Joseph Benavidez to become the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion. This victory was a pivotal moment in his career, as it established him as the first-ever UFC Flyweight Champion, paving the way for his dominant reign in the division.
Johnson is widely recognized for his remarkable body of work, which includes 30 professional MMA fights, 11 successful UFC title defenses, and championship reigns across two major promotions. Notably, seven of his title defenses ended in finishes, either by submission or knockout. One of his most iconic finishes occurred in his title defense against Ray Borg, where he executed a breathtaking “suplex-to-armbar” submission, earning him multiple Submission of the Year awards.
Throughout his career, Demetrious Johnson amassed a total of 17 performance-related awards in both the UFC and ONE Championship. While many fighters seek to build their legacy by defeating specific opponents, Johnson cemented his status as a legend through impressive performances and unparalleled consistency.