Demetrious Johnson Discusses Not Getting Seven Figure Paydays in the UFC

MMAjunkie Radio recently interviewed UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson his upcoming title defense against Olympic gold medal winner Henry Cejudo at UFC 197. The fight card is set for April 23 in Las Vegas. Below are some highlights from the interview.

Johnson on wanting to earn a big seven-figure payday: “Are you saying I’ve reached the seven-figure status where I fight and they go, ‘Here you go, Demetrious, here’s a check for $2 million’? No. Have I ever got a check for seven figures? Absolutely not. Is that one of my goals? Absolutely.”

Johnson on the UFC being a popularity contest: “At the end of the day, it’s not about how good you fight or how many talents you have. It’s a (expletive) popularity contest. So I need to go out there and become the prom king, basically.”

Johnson on possible superfights: “That’s why I bring up the superfights – if this is such a big deal to the world and the company – a superfight – shoot, give me $2 million. Let me break that number. I’m going on my eighth title defense, and there are fighters who haven’t had the accolades in their mixed martial arts career – seven title defenses or whatnot. I’m not bitching or complaining (about what I get paid), I’m just keeping it real (about) that seven-figure number. I’m just keeping it focused and trying to break that number.”