Demetrious Johnson’s fighting future will remain tied to the UFC, as the flyweight champion announced he has signed a new eight-fight contract.
Johnson is set to defend his title against the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 24 this December.
“I’ve signed a new eight-fight deal, I’m very excited to announce that,” said Johnson, while appearing on The MMA Hour Monday. “I think there’s great things to come in the future.”
“Mighty Mouse” is the only fighter to hold the UFC 125-pound belt to date, having recently defended it with a dominating first round finish of Henry Cejudo. He has scored eight consecutive title defenses overall.
Despite having two fights left on his old contract, Johnson believed now was the time to cash in.
“I think when fighters do that (wait to sign a new deal), they want to see what they’re worth, but at the same time, if they negotiate with the UFC, and they get what they like, there’s no point going and testing free agency,” Johnson said. “And the thing is, even (Quinton) ‘Rampage’ Jackson said it before, nobody treats you better than the UFC.”