Imagining an MMA Hall of Fame: Borderline Candidates, Part 1

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Demetrious Johnson
“Mighty Mouse” AX Fighting Championships (2007, 2007-08, 2008); King of the Cage (2007, 2009); USA Mixed Martial Arts (2008); Genesis Fights (2008-09); Alaska Fighting Championship (2010); World Extreme Cagefighting (2010); Ultimate Fighting Championship (2011-Current)
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CASE FOR: Johnson was an excellent fighter at 135 pounds, but he has really come into his own as a flyweight. Most expected Joseph Benavidez to best him, but he defeated the Team Alpha Male standout twice. He has four title defenses already and appears to be just getting started. Johnson’s professionalism and class have earned him respect across the sport. CASE AGAINST: The flyweight division does not have anywhere near the depth of most weight classes, leaving Johnson with a limited number of top-flight challengers. The division also has not caught on with the wider fan base, and Johnson’s first pay-per-view main event at UFC 174 appears to have been a disaster in terms of sales. VERDICT: Should he go in? “Mighty Mouse” still has some work to do.

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