Demetrious Johnson has cleared out his division, he knows it. He's not opposed to moving up to fight Dominick Cruz, but says the UFC has to pay up.
Johnson will take on the winner of The Ultimate Fighter Season 24 in a Flyweight Championship fight in December, but many thought the move was the UFC grasping at straws to keep the dominant champion active. Johnson told UFC Tonight that he doesn't need any motivation outside of money to keep defending his title.
“For the paycheck. If you don’t take the fighter seriously, you didn’t take the paycheck seriously. You lose someone and then the zeros on the back of the paycheck go down," Johnson said.
A potential re-match with UFC Bantamweight Champion Dominick Cruz has been discussed, but Johnson is in no hurry. Johnson lost a decision to Cruz in 2011, while "Mighty Mouse" was still holding down a job, and not training full-time. Despite the attraction of a big fight, Johnson said once again he would need financial incentive to make the move.
"I stay in the division. If the super fight comes, then I’ll do it. He’s a big boy. It was a tough fight the first time. That was four years ago. I want to cement my legacy in my division. He’s not going anywhere. If the money is right, then I’ll do it," said Johnson.
Johnson will defend his championship at the TUF 24 Finale in December, which also features Henry Cejudo vs. Joseph Benavidez.
