Demetrious Johnson (photo via UFC)

By FCF Staff

Dana White was at odds with Demetrious Johnson earlier this year, but following the latter’s historic win at UFC 216, the UFC President had nothing but praise for the flyweight champ.

White was critical of Johnson a few months back, when he proposed Johnson fight TJ Dillashaw next, and the latter declined. But, after Johnson submitted Ray Borg with a beautifully executed armbar yesterday, to set a new title defense record of 11, White had this to say about the champ (quote via MMA Fighting):

Definitely,” said White, when asked if Demetrious Johnson is the greatest fighter ever to compete in the Octagon.. “He’s the man. He broke Anderson Silva’s record, and it almost seems like in that last round he knew he was going to do it and he knew how he was going to do it. It was pretty impressive. I don’t know if I just said this or not, I’m tired, but (Johnson’s head coach) Matt Hume, we were talking about how awesome it was and he goes, ‘He does it in the gym all the time.’

“That’s like his move. He does that all the time. It’s crazy.”

The UFC President also relayed that he believes more fans are starting to recognize Johnson for his brilliance:

“I felt like tonight, the crowd was chanting his name, and I think people are coming around. That’s the thing. Sometimes it takes longer for some people. Crazy to think, but people didn’t love Chuck Liddell at one time either. They didn’t hate him; they just didn’t care. And then Chuck became a massive superstar for us. And Anderson Silva … he kicked Vitor (Belfort) in the face and exploded.”

With Saturday’s win, Johnson moved his overall record to 27-2-1.