John Dodson wants more than a win

For most fighters winning is everything and the only thing that matters, John “The Magician” Dodson isn’t most fighters. The number one ranked flyweight contender is on a mission to change the public perception of the division. He plans on doing so by putting on exciting fights and capturing the UFC Flyweight title from champion Demetrious Johnson at UFC 191 on September 5 is first on his list.

c/o Gabriela Ochoa

“I already lived the moment by fighting Demetrious Johnson before. I watched my opportunity to become a champion slip through my fingers because I didn’t choose to become a champion at that time,” said Dodson.

His experience in the first fight has him believing that the second time he meets Johnson inside the octagon will be his crowning moment in the UFC. That confidence comes from not only his first fight where he had the champion hurt but from a victory over current UFC Bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw.

“I watched me hit him, I watched him fall and I watched my chance at the title go away. We let down the world and this time I’m not going to do it. The world hasn’t really seen what I can do. I can go out there and be the killer I can be,” said Dodson.

c/o Gabriela Ochoa

It’s fun to see Dodson who is playful and full of energy outside the octagon talk but you get the sense that when it comes to his fights, he is all business.

“Now I need to back up what I’m saying. I know I’m the best and now I need to show it,” said Dodson.

His trainer Greg Jackson has often said that Dodson was the most athletically talented fighter in the gym. The night he steps into the cage with Johnson he will have a chance to prove his coach right. It’s something he takes into consideration.

“The first thing that came to my mind is I let him down. I’ve never unlocked the true potential he sees in me and let it flourish. I haven’t shown the world what he sees and I feel bad that I haven’t but September 5^th I will, “said Dodson.

In a world full of heroes, Dodson sees himself as a bit of an anti-hero. A role he is very comfortable with. He feels that if the fans like him or hate him, they will come to see him fight based on his performances.

“I’m going to be that case, that mad villain they hate so much they’ll want to come and cheer. They’ll hate me so much but love me at the same time cause this face is something they want to cherish. I’m like that teddy bear that comes around and gives you a hug but smoothers you and kills you in your sleep,” said Dodson.

c/o Gabriela Ochoa

c/o Gabriela Ochoa

His boyish demeanor might make him seem not so threatening but Dodson clearly understands he is what the division needs in terms of a marketing dream that can fight while talking the talk

“Look at Floyd Mayweather when he fought Ricky Hatton. He didn’t go out there and just knock him out. He did knockout Hatton by landing some shots but he went out there and sold the fight first. He created this whole thing so that when it happened and unfolded, everyone was tuning in to watch,” said Dodson.

Clearly a student of the game, Dodson is once again speaking his mind but understands that selling the promotion is only part of this. He must win his rematch versus Johnson in order to fulfill his prophecy and that night takes place at the MGM Grand Arena in Las Vegas come September.