Demetrious Johnson certain he will march toward World Grand Prix Final

DEMETRIOUS “Mighty Mouse” Johnson may be one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all-time, but the 12-time World Champion has never put a stop to the endless learning curve of a martial artist.

Despite achieving almost everything in the sport, Johnson admits he is still hungrier than ever to add to his legacy.

The next part of that being his ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix semifinal bout against Tatsumitsu “The Sweeper” Wada at ONE: DAWN OF HEROES on Friday, 2 August.

“It’s the second round of the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix – there’s something to get excited about. If we get past Wada, then we get to the final round,” the 32-year-old Washington native said.

“I’m confident because I’m putting in the hours in training to make sure that I go out there and I can be the best athlete that I can be that night.”

Johnson booked his ticket in his last bout against Wada’s countryman Yuya “Little Piranha” Wakamatsu by a guillotine choke at 2:40 of the second round.

Though he submitted the Japanese warrior at ONE: A NEW ERA, Johnson was forced to battle a tricky opening stanza on the road to victory.

“Wakamatsu was a game opponent, a very great striker with great movement,” the AMC Pankration representative explained.

“I knew it was going to take a little bit for me to get my hands on him, [but] once the fight got going, I knew I was going to be able to impose my will in the grappling department.

“It was a great experience, and I look forward to my next one in Manila.”

“The Sweeper” could provide a similar challenge, but the American martial artist understands where his advantages lie.

“Wada is a great opponent who has that Japanese samurai spirit. He is a great athlete who comes from a great camp. I think we both match up pretty well. He’s well-rounded. I’m well-rounded. We can fight anywhere and on any date.”

“It will come down to who is tougher, who wants it more, and who is in better condition.”

The winner of this bout will either take on Philippines’ Danny “The King” Kingad or Australia’s Reece “Lightning” McLaren at ONE: CENTURY on 13 October.

The stakes are high, but “Mighty Mouse” already has one eye on the World Grand Prix final.