Demetrious Johnson has solidified his position as the greatest flyweight in UFC history, and if he defeats Henry Cejudo for a second time at UFC 227, the promotion will need him to finally fight outside his division

By every possible measure, Demetrious Johnson is one of the greatest champions to ever grace the Octagon with his dominating presence. In Sept. 2012, Johnson defeated Joseph Benavidez to become the UFC’s first flyweight champion, and last October’s submission win over Ray Borg made him the most successful champion in UFC history with 11 consecutive title defenses.

This Saturday’s UFC 227 showdown with Henry Cejudo will likely mirror many of those 11 consecutive title defenses, and the fact that it’s yet another unnecessary rematch for Johnson has only made it less intriguing to fight fans still wondering if they’re going to purchase the pay-per-view. And that’s exactly why Johnson must finally face challenges from outside his division the minute that his UFC 227 title defense comes to its painfully predictable conclusion.

Prior to facing Borg, Johnson was offered a bout against current bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw that would’ve likely represented the biggest fight of his entire UFC career. But Johnson wasn’t interested, responding to Dana White’s disapproval by accusing the UFC of mistreatment, bullying and failing to effectively promote his previous fights.

Not surprisingly, many felt that Johnson was somehow less of a champion for both refusing to fight Dillashaw and accusing the UFC of mistreatment. Despite his historic Octagon success, Johnson has never been a big pay-per-view draw, and fighting someone of Dillashaw’s caliber with an opportunity to become a two-division champ on the table would’ve gone a long way towards changing that.

11. That’s the number of times I’ve defended my title. And at #UFC227 I’m going for 12. Don’t miss the exclusive #KnockoutCoverage LIVE from the @MetroPCS Purple Couch. Tune in on 8/4 @ 8:30PM ET. pic.twitter.com/MSv4N5WF0d — Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouseUFC) July 26, 2018

But many fight fans also felt that Johnson ducked Dillashaw to ensure an easier path to the record books by attempting to break Anderson Silva’s UFC mark for consecutive title defenses against the less-accomplished Borg. While Johnson ultimately earned his record-setting win, Borg battled into the final frame of the five-round fight before suffering a submission loss.

If Cejudo somehow solves “Mighty Mouse” to claim the flyweight crown, Johnson’s next fight would obviously be an immediate rematch with his UFC 227 opponent. Understandably, oddsmakers are betting that history will repeat itself on Saturday night, and there’s really no reason to think that Johnson won’t replicate the performance that led to a decisive, knockout win over Cejudo 15 months ago.

While a few big-name wins over opponents outside of his division would do wonders for Johnson’s legacy, the UFC would also reap the immediate rewards of a fight between “Mighty Mouse” and almost any other bantamweight, or possibly even featherweight, champion or contender. If Johnson was willing to fight at his former Octagon weight of 135 pounds, a rematch with Dominick Cruz and big-money bouts versus Dillashaw, Garbrandt, and possibly even Jose Aldo, all become realistic options.

A bout against the winner of Saturday’s rematch between Garbrandt and Dillashaw seems to be the most likely option for Johnson’s first non-flyweight affair in nearly seven years if he successfully defends his title at UFC 227. But Cruz and Brad Pickett handed Johnson the only two losses of his professional career, and a rematch between “Mighty Mouse” and the former bantamweight champion would also draw a ton of attention and remains a real short-term possibility.

Due to the uncertainty surrounding Conor McGregor’s UFC future, the self-inflicted absence of former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, Stipe Miocic’s recent loss and Ronda Rousey’s departure, the UFC needs Johnson to make the same transition from low-ratings champion to a fan-friendly superstar that Daniel Cormier has made.

For the UFC, having an undeniably dominant champion such as Johnson who refuses to test himself against any outside threats is a little like owning a Ferrari you can’t take out of the driveway. With declining ratings and a new partner to please since announcing its move to ESPN, the UFC needs to utilize every asset on its roster, and Johnson is one of the few champions who’s yet to capitalize on his position with a so-called superfight that would significantly help his employer.

Obviously, Johnson will forever be known as one of the greatest flyweights in MMA history, and it’s not really fair for his legacy to be questioned just because he isn’t interested in a few fights outside his division. But Johnson’s legacy has already been tarnished by his refusal to fight Dillashaw, and while it may not be fair, a dark cloud of doubt will follow him through what remains of his career unless he agrees to fight outside of the division he’s essentially built with his bare hands.