It’s Business as Usual for Demetrious Johnson Heading into Second UFC Title Defense

Every fighter has his own unique way of preparing for a fight.  Some scout their opponents and watch hours of video.  Some bring in training partners to simulate their opponent’s style.  UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson doesn’t do any of that.

Johnson (17-2-1) was originally expected to face John Moraga on April 13, but a shoulder injury pushed back the bout to the UFC on Fox 8 fight card on July 27.  Now healed, Johnson is ready for his second UFC title defense.

“Recovery has gone great.  Once I got cleared from a doctor to start training again, I started training,” Johnson said on a recent media conference call.  “I’m feeling great; shoulder’s feeling 100-percent, and just ready to do work.”

Moraga (13-1) is on a seven-fight winning streak and possesses solid wrestling and good boxing, but Johnson doesn’t feel that Moraga brings anything to the table that he hasn’t already faced.

“My last fight I fought, I think he’s probably one of the guys in the division that has that one-strike knockout power where he drops guys, and you’ve seen him do it all the time.  I’m speaking of John Dodson.  John Moraga possesses great skills.  He throws great combinations, but as far as me, when it comes to my training and preparing for fighters or fights, we don’t bring anybody in to emulate my opponent. We don’t go out and seek information on my opponent,” said Johnson.

“We just train hard.  I believe in my training partners and my coaching, and that’s what we’ve done and it hasn’t let us down yet.”

Johnson doesn’t worry about what his opponent is going to do or what he does best.  His only concern is becoming a better fighter.

“Typically when I get ready for a fight, I don’t focus on what he does well or how people have beat him or whatever,” he said. “I just focus on my overall game and becoming the best mixed martial artist.  That way, we’re going to fight on July 27, and it doesn’t matter.  I just go out there and perform at my best.”

UFC on Fox 8 takes place the Key Arena in Seattle and airs live on Fox Sports.