Johnson: Gamer Both In And Out Of The Octagon

Mighty Mouse

Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson

Johnson a “huge gamer”

Demetrious Johnson‘s unanimous decision victory over Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at UFC 126 was a sweet debut for the man nicknamed “Mighty Mouse.” But what was even sweeter was the fact that his 135 lb. contest, which was in the fourth spot on the preliminary card, was broadcast live on the UFC’s Facebook fanpage.

As opposed to the thousands watching live at the Mandalay Bay Events Center on February 5, all of the nearly 5,000,000 Facebook users who are fans of the promotion on the social networking site had the opportunity to catch the action as well, elevating Johnson’s exposure substantially.

And the fast-rising bantamweight is certainly thanful, as the opportunity not only increased his fan base, but also managed to earn him a deal with Microsoft.

“That was awesome, you know? Since they rallied behind me we picked up a huge deal with Microsoft and Xbox,” Johnson stated on the latest episode of the HeavyMMA Podcast. “It’s a huge opportunity and I’m just trying to get their name out there and let the world know that Xbox and Microsoft are on board, supporting mixed martial arts.”

With companies such as Microsoft willing to support any mixed martial artist is definite proof that the sport’s appeal, even if just in terms of business, continues to grow. However, for Microsoft to support Johnson is really only appropriate. After all, when he is not working, training, or fighting, you can find “Mighty Mouse” with a video game controller in his hand.

“Oh yeah. Huge gamer. I love the Castlevania series, Street Fighter series. The game I’m really looking forward to comes out February 15; Marvel vs. Capcom 3. I’m so pumped about that game. I cannot wait. The only thing that sucks is I work so much (that) I don’t get to spend a lot of time playing video games. But when I do get a chance, I always go crazy.”

While Johnson eagerly waits for the February 15 release of Marvel vs. Capcom 3, he is doing so with his phone close by. With the brutal training regiments fighters take on, one can never be certain when they will be called upon to step in for an injured fighter.

And that is why he is ready to get back into the gym and prepare for his next opponent, which he hopes will be determined soon.

“I’m not sure (what’s next for me),” Johnson said. “I’m back at home just working and waiting for the UFC to give me a call. I’m going to get right back in the gym next week, so if anybody gets hurt I’ll step in for him. Just see what happens, you know?”

After walking away with wins against Nick Pace, Damacio Page, and now Yamamoto all in a row, “Mighty Mouse” is taking strides towards the 135 lb. title. While he finds himself in the smallest division in the UFC, he happens to be one of the smallest, if not the smallest, bantamweights.

This situation always leads to the question of Johnson’s interest in a flyweight (125 lb.) division to be introduced into the promotion. While that may not be happening anytime soon, Johnson says he is interested, but also says that he sees it as a way to please the company, along with fighting in a weight class better suited for his size.

“It’s a good question that people ask,” Johnson said. “I’m a small guy, you know? When I got home from (Las) Vegas, I was at 142 (lbs.) walking around. I have to eat to get to 146; a lot of food.”

“Sometimes I’m like, ‘I’ll make a run at 135 and 125.’ In my eyes, I’m more viable to the UFC. Just like at work. If I know how to drive a forklift and run a machine, they’re going to get rid of somebody else before they’re going to get rid of me because I’m viable in both spots.”

While Johnson may be concerned with job security, at this point in time, he needn’t be. He can expect a lot more fights and a lot more money for his video game collection if he simply continues doing what he has been inside the cage; winning.