No Degree EP 27 Demetrious Johnson Transcript
(8 minutes)
Demetrious Johnson is a name that is well-known in the MMA world - his impressive record as a former UFC fighter and the first flyweight champion in UFC history is testament to his incredible skill as a martial artist. With 11 successful title defenses under his belt, it's no wonder he won the 2017 ESPY Award for Best Fighter.
But what makes Johnson truly stand out is his work ethic and dedication to his craft. Raised with the belief that if he wanted something, he had to work hard for it, Johnson's life is a testament to the power of perseverance and ambition.
Johnson talks about how he balanced work and fighting, the importance of saving money, and his passion for gaming - all while pursuing his dreams as a professional fighter.
Working While Pursuing Dreams
Demetrious Johnson strongly believes in the importance of balancing work and fighting as a professional athlete. He understands that sports careers can be unpredictable, and it's essential to have a steady source of income to depend on. Even as a successful fighter in the UFC, Johnson continued to work at various jobs such as Journeys, Red Lobster, and construction until he received a full contract with the UFC.
Johnson's work ethic stems from his upbringing, where he was taught that hard work and dedication were keys to achieving anything. His mother, who is deaf, instilled in him the importance of communication and eye contact, which has helped him develop the discipline and focus needed to become one of the greatest fighters of all time.
Johnson believes that many athletes make the mistake of quitting their jobs once they reach the big leagues, which can be a detrimental decision in the long run. He believes that having jobs outside of fighting can help athletes gain valuable life experiences and skills, leading to a well-rounded perspective and potential future career opportunities.
Furthermore, Johnson emphasizes that hard work and dedication can lead to positive outcomes, even beyond financial ones. He states that the journey to success is more significant than the outcome itself and that every step towards one's goal is worth it.
Overall, Demetrious Johnson's success as a fighter and dedication to work stem from his strong work ethic and belief in the importance of balancing work and fighting as a professional athlete.
Prioritize Investing in Your Future
In addition to balancing work and fighting, Demetrious Johnson believes in the importance of saving money and investing for future success. He mentions that professional athletes should not rely solely on their current income and should plan for the future by making wise financial decisions. Johnson advises athletes to put their money into investments that could yield long-term returns, such as stocks and real estate.
Johnson recognizes that while the life of a professional athlete can seem glamorous, it is crucial to plan ahead for any unexpected events that may impact one's career. He encourages athletes to think beyond their current success and to plan for a future beyond their sports careers.
By prioritizing saving and investing, Demetrious Johnson has secured a financial foundation for himself and his family. His success as a professional fighter has allowed him to grow his brand and expand his footprint, but he also knows the importance of planning for the future beyond his athletic pursuits. Johnson's advice on saving and investing is valuable not only for professional athletes but for anyone aiming to secure their financial future.
What Separates Champions from Other Fighters
Demetrious Johnson's success as a professional athlete can be attributed to his strong work ethic and dedication to his craft. However, he recognizes that there is an X factor that separates champions from other fighters. In the No Degree podcast episode, Johnson mentions his detachment from the outcome of fights.
He explains that while he fights his heart out in the cage, he separates the outcome from the actual process of fighting. This detachment allows him to focus solely on the task at hand without being consumed by the pressure of winning or losing. Johnson believes that this mindset is what separates champions from other fighters.
Moreover, Johnson believes in the importance of constant self-improvement. He states that it's essential to continue pushing oneself to become better, both as a fighter and as a person. By continually setting goals and striving to achieve them, one can become a champion not only in the ring but in all aspects of life.
In conclusion, the X factor that sets champions apart from others is a combination of detachment from the outcome and a dedication to constant self-improvement. These traits have helped Demetrious Johnson become one of the greatest fighters of all time and serve as valuable lessons for anyone aiming to achieve greatness.
Taking Steps Toward the Ultimate Goal
For Demetrious Johnson, every fight is a step towards his ultimate goal of breaking the record in the UFC Flyweight Division. He held the title for six years consecutively and believes that every fight he has had, whether he won or lost, has brought him closer to his goal.
Johnson's determination and focus stem from his strong work ethic and belief in the process of fighting rather than the outcome. By detaching himself from the pressure of winning or losing, he is better able to focus on the task at hand and give his all in the cage.
Johnson's dedication to his craft and constant self-improvement have led him to become one of the greatest fighters of all time. He believes that any athlete can achieve success if they work hard and never give up.
For the aspiring fighters out there, it's important to remember that every fight is one step closer to your ultimate goal. By focusing on the process of bettering yourself and honing your skills, you can become a champion both in and out of the ring.
Your Hobbies Can Provide Additional Income
Apart from being a professional fighter, Demetrious Johnson is also an avid gamer. He grew up playing games like Mega Man X, Snake, Rattle & Roll, and Platoon. Later on, he started streaming his favorite games on Twitch, which eventually led to him building a brand in the gaming world.
As a successful Twitch streamer, Demetrious aims to engage with his fans and give back to his community. His wife encouraged him to start his channel, and he gradually gained followers by streaming every day. He enjoys playing games like Call of Duty and Fortnite and sharing that experience with his viewers.
Demetrious values his integrity and transparency in his actions and decision-making. He aims to be a positive role model to his viewers, not just in the gaming space but in the mixed martial arts arena as well. He believes that he can make a lasting impact by being a positive influence on others.
To build a strong foundation in the gaming world, Demetrious focuses on community, positivity, and integrity in all areas of his life. He trains seven days a week and divides his days based on various areas of mixed martial arts. He believes that hard work and dedication are necessary to achieve both gaming and fighting success.
True Knowledge Comes From Experiences
Although Demetrious Johnson has had a successful career as a professional fighter, he acknowledges that it may not have been his path if things hadn't worked out. In the No Degree podcast episode, Johnson mentions that he had considered pursuing a career in construction if fighting did not take off. He had worked in the construction industry before and knew that it could provide a stable source of income.
However, his passion for gaming eventually led him to explore Twitch streaming. Johnson started his Twitch channel after someone suggested that he should be on it, and he saw his favorite game being played. His wife also encouraged him to start his channel as a great platform for interaction with fans.
Now, Demetrious is very focused on building a strong foundation in the gaming world and giving back to his community. He values both his fighting and gaming careers and aims to succeed in both while being a positive role model to his viewers. Johnson's journey serves as a reminder that it's never too late to pursue your passions, and that there are various career paths to explore if one does not work out.
In Johnson's opinion, the key to making it as a professional fighter is to put in the time and effort training and competing. He encourages young warriors to take pleasure in their progress toward their goal and to save money wisely along the way. Demetrious believes that while formal education has its place, the best way to learn and develop as a person and athlete is through practical experience, self-reflection, and discipline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Demetrious Johnson's story is one of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His success as a professional fighter, despite starting with a meager $3,000 UFC contract, is a testament to his work ethic and his belief in the importance of having a full-time job while pursuing a career as a professional athlete.
Johnson's mother played a significant role in instilling the value of hard work and pursuit of dreams in him, something that he carries with him to this day. His passion for gaming and his ability to build a brand in the gaming world are proof that he is not limited to just fighting and has the potential to excel in other areas too.
Whether it's pursuing construction or Twitch streaming, Johnson's drive for constant self-improvement sets him apart from the rest. His insights into the importance of education and family support in making smart career decisions provide a roadmap for aspiring MMA fighters.
