Brett Johns wants to be first Welsh UFC champion, even if 'it seems unrealistic'

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. – Brett Johns relishes the role of torchbearer for Welsh MMA in the UFC, even if it comes with a lot of pressure and expectation.

Johns (15-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) was among the first Welsh fighters to compete in the UFC, and was the very first to get a spot in the organization’s official rankings. The unbeaten bantamweight is making a name for himself in the octagon, and he wants to be known as the fighter breaks new ground for his country.

He views his matchup with Aljamain Sterling (14-3 MMA, 6-3 UFC) on Saturday at UFC Fight Night 128 as the next step in his journey to bring Welsh MMA to prominence. It’s a heavy burden to be at the forefront of such a push, but Johns said he embraces it.

“It’s motivating and a bit of pressure,” Johns told MMAjunkie. “I’m trying to become a legend of the sport in my own country. That’s what I’m trying to do. To be a legend in this game is so difficult. Some great fighters out there. For me my goal is to the greatest in my own country and lead the wake in my own country. It’s added pressure, don’t get me wrong, but it’s something I’m happy to do.”

UFC Fight Night 128 takes place at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City, N.J. Johns vs. Sterling airs on the FS1-televised main card following prelims on FS1 and UFC Fight Pass.

There are certain fighters who have done for their own country what Johns is trying to do for Wales. Conor McGregor took MMA in Ireland to a new level, Michael Bisping was the face of British MMA for the better part of a decade, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s success is helping line up the UFC’s first event in Russia, and the list goes on.

It’s a lofty aspiration, but Johns wants to be the one who changes the game for his region.

“I want to be the first Welsh guy to hold the UFC belt,” Johns said. “It seems unrealistic, but every champion in the early days it seemed unrealistic to them. To be honest, I do believe I can make it.”

Johns is aware how critical his fight against Sterling is to his overall plans. His 30-second submission win over former title challenger Joe Soto at The Ultimate Fighter 26 Finale in December was a huge leap forward in terms of win quality, and if Johns can follow that up by beating “The Funkmaster,” he said he would be in prime position for a marquee fight at 135 pounds.

“This fight can really get me up there. If I want a big name after this, there’s the opportunity to do this after the fight. We’ll see how that goes. A big win here, a nice little stoppage, I’ll call someone out and we’ll see.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 128, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.