One of the greatest fighters in UFC history has named his list of the best ever and there was no room for Conor McGregor or Khabib Nurmagomedov.
Demetrious Johnson was the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion and dominated the division for years.
He left the promotion after his six-year reign came to an end at the hands of Henry Cejudo in 2018 and now competes in ONE Championship, where he is champion once again.
And the 37-year-old has revealed who he believes are the four greatest fighters of all time, putting himself second just behind Jon Jones with Georges St-Pierre at third and Anderson Silva fourth.
Johnson said of his list: ‘For me to have 11 consecutive title defences and always look for the finish against my opponents, the list goes on.
Demetrious Johnson has named his list of the greatest fighters in mixed martial arts history
‘To be able to go to a different organisation where I’m fighting at 135lb against bigger opponents in a different rule set. I was able to win a world grand prix which is a tournament-style, three fights in one year and then turn around and fight for the belt.’
‘I go do an IBJJF Brazilian jiu-jitsu tournament. My first time in the gi, brown belt masters at 37 years old and I go out there and I win it.
‘Not one point got scored on me, not any one of those fighters, not even f****** Jon Jones himself would do that and be able to pass with flying colours, so I think the ability for me to be able to transition into different things is what puts me above those guys.’
There was no room for Conor McGregor (L) or Khabib Nurmagomedov (R) on the list
Johnson ranked himself above Silva and St-Pierre because of his finishes in world title fights, with seven during his record-breaking 11 consecutive title defences.
Speaking on Jones at No 1, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said: ‘That is the only man that I’ll put ahead of me because this man, I feel like every single time he has been inside the cage he could just destroy his opponent however you want it.’