Demetrious Johnson happy to be getting the respect he deserves in One Championship; new stars to get first chance in 2019 Grand Prix series

“I spent seven years in North America and I truly feel like the North American crowd does not appreciate the athletes, the martial artists,” Johnson said. “In Asia, you guys appreciate true martial artists.”

Despite a stellar career that has included the UFC flyweight title and a remarkable (and record) 11 title defences, Johnson’s legions of global fans have often questioned a perceived lack of proper attention given to their hero.

Johnson said he had always previously felt uncomfortable with the “drama” needed outside the cage to capture fans’ attention in the UFC, and the move to One would allow him to focus on what he does best – fighting.

“[In North America] it’s about ruffling feathers, creating chaos,” Johnson said. “That’s not what I am about.”

One has shaken up the MMA world with the signing of Johnson (27-3-1), widely regarded as among the top pound-for-pound fighters in the history of the sport, along with that of former UFC lightweight champion Eddie “The Underground King” Alvarez (29-6-1).

And fans in Asia won’t have too long before they see both fighters in the flesh, in the cage and up against the region’s best with One announcing it would stage eight-man flyweight and lightweight Grand Prix tournaments across 2019 to give their new stars a crack at winning titles in their respective divisions.