Video: Why UFC 170's Zach Makovsky won't call out champ Demetrious Johnson

LAS VEGAS – Zach Makovsky knows he’s in a wide-open division and moving his way up the ladder, but he’s not quite ready to call out reigning UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson.

Makovsky (18-4 MMA, 2-0 UFC) explained why after defeating fellow 125-pounder Josh Sampo (11-3 MMA, 1-1 UFC) in a FOX Sports 1-televised preliminary-card bout at Saturday’s UFC 170 event in Las Vegas.

Makovsky, a former Bellator and RFA champ, earned a convincing unanimous-decision win (via 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28 scores), but he believes he still has work to do and simply wants to work his way up the top 10.

“There’s a lot of talent in the flyweight division, but there’s not necessarily a distinct pecking order,” he said. ” … It’s kind of wide open. Demetrious is the king right now. He’s beaten the top couple guys … but if they give me an opportunity, I’ll be happy to take it. But I’m definitely not going to start calling him out or anything like that.”

Check out the above video as Makovsky explains his title thoughts, his plans for a break and how his wrestling has proven a key weapon early in his UFC career.

And for complete coverage of UFC 170, stay tuned to the UFC Events section of the site.