Demetrious Johnson is looking to defend his UFC flyweight title for the 12th time this weekend at UFC 227 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Johnson is defending his belt against Olympic gold medalist Henry Cejudo, who he previously beat during his lengthy winning streak. In anticipation of the title fight, Johnson and Cejudo joined a conference call to take questions from the media.
While on the call, one reporter began asking a question for UFC bantamweight champion TJ Dillashaw, who defends his belt against rival Cody Garbrandt in the main event on Saturday’s pay-per-view.
Since Dillashaw wasn’t on the call, “Mighty Mouse” took the opportunity to have some fun.
Johnson jumped in to answer the question, impersonating Dillashaw and tricking the reporter. The reporter asked a follow-up question, which Johnson answered, before finally revealing he was pulling a fast one on the second follow-up attempt.
You can listen to the exchange below.
https://youtu.be/OhReKctULws
Reporter: “First question for T.J. Dillashaw, the champion. Are you disappointed at all that your first title defense is an immediate rematch with Cody Garbrandt?”
[8 seconds of silence]
Reporter: “T.J.? Can you hear me?”
Johnson (as Dillashaw): “Yeah, yeah, yeah, I’m here. Sorry, sorry, sorry, I’m here. Yeah, you know, I think I did a good job the first time at Madison Square Garden taking out Cody. But, you know, he’s the No. 1 contender, and I’m ready to go out there and give it to him, man.”
Well played, Demetrious.
UFC 227 takes place Saturday, Aug. 4 on pay-per-view. You can listen to the full media conference call — which includes the real TJ Dillashaw — below.
UFC 227 Media Conference Call
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JXDDsRBMq4Y
UFC 227: Fight Time & Viewing Details
Event: UFC 227: Dillashaw vs. Garbrandt 2
Date: Saturday, Aug. 4, 2018
Location: Los Angeles, Calif.
Venue: Staples Center
Pay-Per-View Card Time: 10:00 P.M. EST
Broadcast: UFC Fight Pass, FOX Sports 1, Pay-per-view
