Demetrious Johnson Says First ONE FC Fight Was 100% Different Than Fighting For the UFC

Demetrious Johnson spoke with MMA Fighting for a new interview following his debut ONE Championship win, a second-round submission over Yuya Wakamatsu. Highlights are below:

On his first ONE Fight and win: “Yeah, obviously first round was a little rough. But you know, we got our wits about us and we kept up the pressure and that was the game plan. Yuya Wakamatsu, he likes to have his opponents — he likes to be able to sit there, move around and throw the right hand, left hook, left hook, right hand. And we knew we had to put the pressure on him. I knew if I did that, I would run into a little bit of trouble because I’m engaging. I’m engaged, I’m not trying to draw him out. So great first fight, I’m happy with the victory. I got the finish, that’s most of the importance that you’re going out there finishing and not going to decision. And I’m happy and ready for the next round.”

On if it’s different here than in the UFC: “100%. The beginning of the year, I said in the press conference, I never wanted to travel and compete abroad because there’s a lot that goes into it. The time zone, you’re in their [territory]. I mean, I basically came to his hometown where he is known for and basically finished him. So there’s a lot that goes into it. And it was different because the knees to the grounded opponent, I was able to do that and add that into my game…so it’s definitely different. Different rules sets, weight cut is different. Now I’m fighting guys who are five three, five four, five five, five seven. So it’s different. I’m back to being the smallest guy in the division height-wise, but weight-wise we’re all the same.”

On his next fight: “I can’t tell you that…I do know. But right now I’m just gonna ho back home, relax. Spend time with my wife, my children, take my teammates out and enjoy this victory.”

If you use these quotes please credit MMA Fighting with a h/t to 411mania.com.