Demetrious Johnson compares North American and Asian markets: 'There is more interest here when I fight'

Heading into his second ONE Championship bout, Demetrious Johnson is feeling the love.

Friday, the former UFC flyweight champion will compete at “ONE Championship 99: Dawn of Heroes” at Mall of Asia Arena in Manila, Philippines. The event streams on B/R Live.

During his time in the UFC, it was well documented that Johnson (28-3-1) wasn’t able to garner as much popularity as some other UFC champions. In an interview earlier this week, Johnson told MMA Junkie he believes he’s meshed better with fans in the Asian markets since being traded to ONE Championship.

“I think I feel the love more on this side of the world, you know what I mean?” Johnson said. “A lot of athletes are my size, a lot of countrymen here are my size. I think they can relate more to the flyweight, bantamweight, and featherweight divisions than over in North America.

“One hundred percent there is more interest here when I fight. The fans are more excited when I fight over here, and I think ONE does a great job in promoting the flyweight division, as well as the bantam and featherweight division. Asia is the home of martial arts, you know? Back to the Shooto and Pancrase days in Asia, those promotions spotlight their lighter divisions.”

While one of the most accomplished fighters on the ONE roster, Johnson will not be headlining ONE Championship 99. Three fights will succeed Johnson’s return – a featherweight title bout of champ Martin Nguyen vs. Koyomi Matasushima, a muay Thai title fight of champ Jonathan Haggerty vs. Rodtang Jitmuangnon and a lightweight world grand prix semifinal of Eduard Folayang vs. Eddie Alvarez. Despite his placement on the card, “Mighty Mouse” isn’t fazed.

“I don’t mind not being the main event and fighting under great athletes such as Jonathan Haggerty, Martin Nguyen, etcetera,” Johnson said. “I’ve had my time headlining a lot of great cards, and I am sure I will be able to headline a ONE Championship card one day. I’m the new kid on the block, and I work my way up to that spotlight.”

Johnson, 32, won his lone fight under the ONE Championship banner since being traded from the UFC last year. In his debut, Johnson defeated Yuya Wakamatsu by unanimous decision in the quarterfinals of the ONE flyweight world grand prix.

In his semifinas bout Friday, Johnson will face Japan’s Tatsumitsu Wada (21-10-2). While Johnson has visited the Philippines before, he’s under no illusion – Wada will have the Manila crowd behind him.

“I’ve been in Manila back in 2015 for another promotion,” Johnson said. “Being back here competing in front of the Filipino fans, it’s going to be an amazing feeling hearing the fans cheer on Friday night.

“Obviously huge support for Team Lakay here. Those guys have done an amazing job building up the sports and fanbase here with their positivity and the way they interact with their fellow countrymen.”