ONE Championship star Kairat “The Kazakh” Akhmetov has long admired newly crowned flyweight king Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. And now, the former divisional titleholder wants an opportunity to take on the MMA icon in his first defense of the gold.

Akhmetov isn’t just calling out the American MMA GOAT by chance, though. 

He has amassed quite the winning streak since January 2018, which arguably puts him first in line for a World Title shot – bar Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, whom Johnson knocked out to claim the coveted belt at ONE on Prime Video 1 last month.

Kairat Akhmetov wants to share the Circle with Demetrious Johnson

The stars now look to have aligned for the #2-ranked flyweight contender, and he sees it as high time he gets a chance to share the stage with his idol.

“Congratulations on a great fight and [winning the] championship belt, DJ. Nothing but respect. You are a legend of this sport. But you know I’m next in line to fight you,” Akhmetov said. 

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“After five victories in five fights, I am the top contender for the belt. I’m the only [contender] you haven’t met yet. Let’s have this fight when you’re ready, champ.”

It’s clear that the Alarn Muay Thai Pro team and Tiger Muay Thai representative holds Johnson in high regard, but he would have to push that respect aside if he gets his shot at the ONE Flyweight World Champion. 

Look: 3 Fights That Could Set the Circle on Fire at ONE 161 on September 29

He watched as “Mighty Mouse” dominated flyweight divisions in North America for many years, earning 12 world titles and taking out a host of high-caliber opponents. 

Akhmetov was always an admirer of the MMA GOAT

And when the American veteran moved to Asia and inked a deal with ONE Championship, Akhmetov’s desire to test himself against him grew. 

Not only has he been impressed by what Johnson does inside the Circle, but he has admired his attitude and manner outside of it as well.

“I have always looked up to Johnson. When I first started fighting in this sport, I was already watching him. When ‘Mighty Mouse’ signed a contract with ONE, I immediately let it be known that I could meet him with dignity in the ring. Many years have passed, and I think our time has come,” Akhmetov said. 

“I admire him as a person, as an athlete, and as a family man. I look up to him. My dream is to meet Johnson in the ring.”

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