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Demetrious Johnson Aiming to Break Anderson Silva’s Title Defense Record

August 31, 2015 | Posted by Jeremy Thomas

Demetrious Johnson spoke with MMAjunkie about his fight with John Dodson at UFC 191 this coming weekend and more. Check out the highlights:

On wanting to break Anderson Silva’s title defense record: “When I got in the sport, this was a hobby for me, and right now I’m working for my seventh title defense. The record held right now is by Anderson Silva, and it’s 10. So if I can break that, it would be an awesome thing. Then to be able to have the most finishes as a flyweight – most knockouts, submissions and TKOs? That’s another goal. Just being the most active flyweight and champion. I’m a guy that hasn’t had injuries, and that’s a goal I set for myself.”

On potentially facing Dodson and Joseph Benavidez again: “I plan on being in this sport for a long time, and I believe John Dodson will be in the sport for a long time as well. I think our paths will cross again just like I believe my path will cross again with Joseph Benavidez whether I win this fight or not. We’re the top fighters in the world, and if we keep beating all the people below us, we’ll meet again regardless of who’s champ or not.”

On fresh opponents: “There’s still a lot of guys I haven’t fought; I haven’t fought Sergio Pettis, I haven’t fought Henry Cejudo, and I haven’t fought Ryan Benoit. Just because those guys aren’t big stars with a name, like the other guys, and had to work their way up there to have the chance to test their skillset against a guy like Dodson or Benavidez or Ian McCall, doesn’t mean they’re not a challenge and I’m not looking forward to fighting them.”

On a potential weight class change: “At this point in my career, (changing divisions is) not even on my mind; I’m a small guy, and right now I’m just focused on John Dodson. Once the time comes that I’ve broken the record and set goals – the goals I want to make – then I’ll start thinking about going to 135. Once I’m done all that and things look up and (UFC President) Dana White wants to approach me about 135, then we’ll make it happen.”