Chatri Sityodtong, founder of ONE Championship, has expressed continuous interest in staging another mixed-rules match for flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. However, the possibility of Johnson’s return to the ring remains ambiguous.
Following Johnson’s recent title victory, Sityodtong has floated the prospect of a captivating contest between Johnson and Mikey Musumeci, the flyweight grappling world champion. This potential matchup suggests a possible shift in Johnson’s career trajectory, one potentially marked by selective and impactful bouts.
Recognizing the need to provide Johnson with stimulating challenges, Sityodtong reiterates his advocacy for unconventional mixed-rules competition. He lauds Johnson’s unparalleled skill set, highlighting his unique legacy as the only martial artist ever to hold championship belts in both the UFC and ONE Championship.
Although both are from America (Washington and New Jersey respectively), both have spent their fair share of time in Singapore in recent years where ONE is located. Due to his commitment to the company, Musumeci even relocated there from Marlboro, NJ.
Sityodtong’s pursuit of a Johnson-Musumeci mixed-rules encounter reflects his commitment to presenting ONE Championship fans with the most unique and thrilling matchups. While Johnson’s decision to participate remains shrouded in uncertainty, the mere prospect of his involvement in such a groundbreaking contest is bound to generate considerable excitement within the combat sports community.
