UFC record holder sparks controversy and lashes out against women's MMA: 'It's way behind the times'

"Women's MMA is way behind," she says. Demetrious JohnsonPhoto: Reproduction Twitter ufc_brasil

Demetrious Johnson He sent the message. The former UFC flyweight champion (up to 56,7kg) did not hide his frustration with the choice of Amanda nunes for the bantamweight title fight (up to 61,2 kg) against Kayla harrison at event number 324, in January 2026, in Las Vegas (USA).

In conversation with Sean O'Malley on his YouTube show 'Mightycast', Demetrious Johnson He refuted journalist Ariel Helwani's argument that the women's fight should be the main event instead of Gaethje vs. Pimblett.

"Honestly, in my opinion, I like that Justin gaethje e Paddy Pimblett be the main fight. First, I don't like the idea of Amanda nunes Coming out of retirement for this fight? I prefer someone who has achieved what she has achieved in MMA. I like to let our legends rest in peace. Let them go to paradise. You're telling me there's no one in the division she couldn't face. Kayla harrison"Let me take a look at this division. I feel that women's MMA is far behind. I might get a lot of criticism for this, but I feel that the talent level is far below what is expected," she explained. Demetrious Johnson on the 'Mightycast' program.

See too

Alexandre Pantoja's injury may have originated from an accident outside the octagon, says former champion.

Alexandre Pantoja opens up about his loss to Joshua Van at UFC 323: 'I expected to finish him in the first round'

Demetrious Johnson continued commenting on the card of UFC 324 And who could be the challenger to Kayla harrisonFor the multi-champion, there's no need to bring someone out of retirement, even if it's a legend like... Amanda nunesDemetrious understands that it is necessary to develop new adversaries.

When I analyze the situation, we have Julianna Penawhich has already been defeated… Why not put Norm Dumont, Ketlen Scallop, Yana Santos ou Irene aldanaThey need to bring a legend out of retirement for this fight. I don't like that. For me, Paddy Pimblett against Justin gaethje It's much more exciting than Kayla harrison against Amanda nunes”, he concluded Demetrious Johnson.

Kayla Harrison and Amanda Nunes will face off in the second most important fight of the night at UFC 324.

Kayla harrison e Amanda nunes They are called up for the second most important fight of the night in UFC 324Kayla, the bantamweight champion, remains undefeated in the company, having won her first three fights against... Holly holm, Ketlen Scallop e Julianna Pena.

Kayla harrison She became champion of the category by winning. Julianna Pena via submission in the second round of UFC 316, in June 2025. With the belt in hand, the UFC understood that Amanda nunes She would be a better challenger for Kayla than the other top-ranked players.

Sports legend, Amanda nunes He retired after winning. Irene aldana via unanimous decision in UFC 289In June 2023, Amanda hung up her gloves as bantamweight champion. Now, called upon for this new challenge, the Brazilian is preparing to return and try again for the title that was once all hers.