UFC Flyweight Champion Demetrious Johnson is one successful title defense away from breaking former UFC Middleweight Champion Anderson Silva’s record for consecutive title defenses.
However, despite his success in the promotion, the champion isn’t a fan of the way he and others are being paid by the UFC.
“There is not another sport in the world where you can be the best at it but not get paid the best,” Johnson said to ESPN. “I never wanted to say this before, but I don't care anymore, and it's just facts: When [former WWE star] CM Punk [Phil Brooks] signed with the UFC, people asked me how I felt about it, and I said, ‘CM Punk will probably make more money than I do on his very first fight.’ And he did. I think his payout was $500,000. I have nothing against CM Punk, but if you look at the sheer nonsense of that, it doesn't make sense. I know you have to look at the business standpoint, that he's going to sell a lot of tickets, but he can't fight! That's why I've said the UFC should just try to sign that ‘Cash Me Ousside’ girl, because she'll talk sh-t and probably outsell everybody.”
Johnson is not only the current UFC Flyweight Champion, but the only flyweight champion in UFC history.
Despite his disagreements with the UFC over pay, the flyweight champion still loves competing in the sport.
“I still love the sport. I love training every day. My relationship with the business aspect of it, how they go about putting money where, has changed. I guess I'm bothered by how fans react to certain things and how they're interested in certain things over true talent. I've always appreciated talent over everything else,” says Johnson.
Although Johnson’s next fight has yet to be booked, the fighter is expected to compete again by the end of the year.
