Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has enjoyed a long spell at the top of the MMA mountain. 

And while his skill set, world-class fight IQ and determination to become a better athlete have seen him become a 13-time Flyweight World Champion and an MMA GOAT, Johnson feels that the breaks in between his fights have played a key role in his development – especially over the past few years. 

Now 36 years of age, the Washington native understands he needs to get fully recharged before diving into another training camp.

Case in point, Johnson doesn’t spar as much during a training camp as he would have done ten years ago.

Resting his way to the big fight

Ahead of his trilogy battle with Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes in the main event of ONE Fight Night 10 on May 5, “Mighty Mouse” shared his views on the secret to his longevity as a fighter on Liam “Hitman” Harrison’s podcast. 

The AMC Pankration and Evolve MMA athlete shared with the multiple-time Muay Thai World Champion:

“Honestly, for me, I think it’s the time off. I know that might sound crazy, but prior to getting into this camp, I fought Adriano in August I believe, and from August to November, I didn’t spar one bit.

“Didn’t spar. Didn’t take any punches to the face, didn’t punch anybody in the face. I just worked on my grappling to stay healthy and did conditioning, essentially.”

Read more: “I’m Just Going To Go out There and Try To Be the Best Demetrious Johnson” – “Mighty Mouse” Primed for Moraes Trilogy Clash

With the right amount of time to recover, Johnson believes he could go on to defeat the former flyweight king once again.

Stakes are high for Demetrious Johnson

The American MMA superstar avenged his loss to Moraes in August last year with a classic performance, adapting well on the canvas and the stand-up department before slicing through Moraes’ face with a knee that earned him the flyweight crown.

Fans are Johnson can repeat history on home soil at 1stBank Center in Denver, Colorado next month.

Moraes would be no easy test for Johnson, however. 

The Brazilian has stepped up his game to prepare himself for another possible upset of the MMA GOAT. 

Read more: Adriano Moraes’ Incredible Journey From Abandoned Orphan to MMA World Champion

Besides, Moraes has never lost two successive fights, so it’ll be interesting to see which version of himself turns up when ONE Fight Night 10 gets underway on May 5.