What happened in this episode?
Ariel Helwani interviews former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson in-studio, ranging from Johnson’s post-retirement projects to current UFC flashpoints. Johnson details his effort to create an original manga/anime property, “Flow Machine”, including his writing routine, work with multiple artists, outreach to potential publishers in Japan and elsewhere, and a target release timeline he gives as February 2027.
The conversation then turns to fighter pay and contractual leverage, prompted by ongoing public complaints from UFC champion Sean Strickland about wanting to box for higher purses. Johnson argues the dispute should be handled plainly — including the possibility of relinquishing a title — and frames UFC contracts as decisive: the promotion can decline release requests and keep fighters inactive. Helwani and Johnson also discuss reporting that Strickland recently signed a new multi-fight deal before his title opportunity, and they describe how the UFC may feel compelled to “stand on business” to avoid setting a precedent.
Johnson weighs in on other MMA topics: he praises Joshua Van’s skillset and projects major upside; says he has not “earned the right” to corner Belal Muhammad unless asked; declines to judge claims about Jon Jones’ influence on Gable Steveson without seeing their training; and dismisses GOAT debates while reiterating his own clean testing record. On rules, Johnson supports banning oblique kicks (and expresses dislike for heel hooks), citing potential career-ending injuries. He also criticises what he calls UFC double standards between “best vs best” messaging and entertainment-driven roster decisions, mentioning Movsar Evloev and Muhammad Mokaev as examples.
