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When it comes to pivotal career decisions in sports history, Demetrious Johnson’s transition to ONE Championship stands out. Widely regarded as one of MMA's greatest fighters, Johnson shocked the world when he left the UFC after a remarkable run as the first-ever flyweight champion. Reflecting on his journey, Johnson revealed the stark financial reality of his UFC tenure, stating he was f*cking gutted upon realizing how underpaid he was compared to the organization's revenue.
During his UFC career, Johnson achieved unprecedented success, including 11 consecutive title defenses and the title of pound-for-pound best fighter. Yet, financial disclosures from a UFC antitrust lawsuit showed athletes earned merely 16–20% of the company’s revenue, a figure that pales compared to major sports leagues like the NBA or NFL, where athletes secure around 50%.
“I was in bed last night just doing the math. I was like goddmn, I’m fcking gutted. I was just gutted,”
Johnson shared, reflecting on the disparity between his earnings and his contributions. His move to ONE Championship in 2018 not only increased his financial stability but also gave him the respect he felt was lacking during his UFC tenure.
The trade, which saw Johnson move to the Singapore-based promotion in exchange for Ben Askren, turned out to be a life-changing decision.
“ONE Championship is the best thing that’s ever happened to me,” Johnson admitted.
He also appreciates his time in the UFC for providing a platform to build his brand, acknowledging that without it, his subsequent success in Asia might not have been possible.
While Johnson harbors no bitterness, his reflections highlight a broader issue in fighter compensation within MMA. His success story also serves as inspiration for athletes seeking better opportunities beyond traditional organizations.
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