Demetrious Johnson Calls UFC 'Hypocrites' Over Michael Page Exit

Demetrious Johnson has seen enough. The former UFC flyweight champion went off on his YouTube channel this week, calling the UFC "hypocrites" for releasing fighters like Michael Page and Farid Basharat despite their winning records.

"They're hypocrites," Johnson said, per MMA Junkie. "They say one thing and do the totally opposite."

Page went 5-1 inside the Octagon before the UFC let him walk. He is now fighting at Misfits Boxing and, according to Johnson, making more money there than he did under the UFC banner. Basharat left with an unblemished 7-0 UFC record and a 16-0 mark overall.

Johnson's frustration centers on the UFC's repeated claims that it wants "the best of the best talents on the roster." He does not buy it.

"Don't tell me that you're going to have the best athletes on the roster when you're going to let the best athletes go," Johnson said.

The problem, as Johnson sees it, is that the UFC prioritizes finishes and entertainment over winning. Both Page and Basharat earned most of their UFC victories by decision, and neither fit the knockout-heavy style the promotion increasingly rewards.

"When you look at a sport, the person who is winning should get paid the best and should have the opportunity to stay," Johnson said.

He challenged the UFC to be honest about what it values. If Page was too expensive or did not draw enough viewers, just say that. If the promotion is entertainment first, own it.

"We couldn't afford him. We're happy Michael 'Venom' Page is making more money at Misfits Boxing," Johnson said, suggesting what he would prefer to hear from UFC brass instead of the usual talking points.

Johnson, who was himself traded to ONE Championship in 2018, knows what it feels like to be moved along by the UFC despite being one of the greatest to ever compete there. His 11 consecutive flyweight title defenses remain an organizational record.