Johnson (photo via FUEL.TV / UFC/ ZUFFA)

By FCF Staff

The wrestling and grappling of Demetrious Johnson ruled the day at the TUF 24 Finale, but the flyweight champ and referee Herb Dean clearly weren’t on the same page.

Johnson took on TUF 24 winner Timothy Elliott in the headliner, and although the latter pushed the renowned fighter, he had no answers for the champ’s top game. As the bout wore on, Dean called on Johnson to improve his position, and “Mighty Mouse” had this to say during the post-fight presser (quote via MMA Junkie):

“I was like, ‘Herb, I’m in (expletive) side control, bro,’” Johnson said. “This is not checkers – this is chess. Tim needs to get up. I’m on top, and he’s holding me down, and you’re telling me I need to move? I’m like, no, bro, that’s not how it works.”

It remains to be seen who the UFC taps to face Johnson next, as TUF 24 was designed to determine a challenger for the champ, who has already defeated the top three ranked 125’ers. While discussing his next bout, and how he stays motivated, Johnson added:

“I’m a self-motivator,” he said. “I didn’t get in to this sport to become a world champion. I got in to this sport to become a better mixed martial artist. And a long time ago, (my coach) Matt (Hume) was like, ‘If you’re goal is to become champion, you’re lost. I can offer you way more than becoming champion.’

Johnson has defended the flyweight title nine times now and is one title defense away from tying Anderson Silva’s record.