Demetrious Johnson is on his way to being the Pound-for-Pound kingpin

Demetrious Johnson is a very underrated champion, no doubt about it.  Up until next Saturday, he has never defended his Flyweight belt in the main event of a pay-per-view card.  UFC 174 will be the first pay-per-view card he's headlined.  He is fighting Ali Bagautinov in Vancouver, Canada next Saturday.

Flyweight has a few legitimate contenders, like John Dodson and Joseph Benavidez, but neither fighter has been able to capture Flyweight gold, as 'Mighty Mouse' has continued his reign as champion. 

Ali Bagautinov has made a big statement in the UFC by going 3-0 since his debut last September.  He's definitely earned his title shot, but I don't think he'll be the toughest fighter Johnson has ever faced, by far.  Similarly like Jon Jones vs. Glover Teixeira.  Many fans were looking past Glover, looking more forward to a rematch with Alexander Gustafsson or a fight with Daniel Cormier. 

Of course there have been big upsets in the past, most recently when T.J. Dillashaw demolished former champion Renan Barao.  So does the Russian have a chance?  I'd give him a chance, but I'd be surprised if he dethroned Johnson. 

If Demetrious Johnson gets past Ali Bagautinov, and gets a few more successful title defenses, he'd be close to being the pound-for-pound kingpin.  Especially because I feel Jon Jones' reign as champion is slowly coming to an end, there's just too much competition at Light Heavyweight. 

In Johnson's most recent fight last December, he knocked Joseph Benavidez out cold, marking his 2nd win over Benavidez.  I think Johnson and Heavyweight champion Cain Velasquez will soon pass Jose Aldo, even if Aldo defeats Chad Mendes, as Aldo hasn't been as dominant, his past fight resulting in a decision win.  Cain and Demetrious have been finishing their opponents, and in great fashion. 




Demetrious Johnson has made 3 title defenses.  He beat John Dodson by decision, then submitted John Moraga in the 5th round, and then got the knockout against Joseph Benavidez.

Johnson has only suffered 2 losses in his MMA professional career, to Dominick Cruz and Brad Pickett.  As Cruz is in Bantamweight he doesn't pose a threat unless he moves down, and Pickett's win against Johnson was 4 years ago, so that doesn't matter by now.

I don't see Mighty Mouse losing his belt anytime soon.  He's beat everyone at the top of his division, and unless any amazing newcomers arrive, plan on him being the champion for awhile.