A hilarious TikTok video compares the reaction of MMA superstar Demetrious Johnson winning the UFC Flyweight Championship and him beating Elden Ring. For any MMA fighter, winning a championship is a dream come true. Johnson's Flyweight rein would go on to become one of the most dominant runs in UFC history. Yet playing Elden Ring is a very fun thing, too, and even Demetrious Johnson can appreciate how good it feels to overcome such a challenge.
Demetrious Johnson is one of the best MMA fighters in the world. In 2012, Johnson won a split decision over Joseph Benavidez to win the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion, which he'd go on to defend a record 11 times. That's the most title defenses in UFC history, regardless of division. Johnson is now the current Flyweight Champion for MMA promotion ONE. He's a name that is often brought up as part of the "Greatest pound-for-pound MMA fighter in the world" discussion.
Yet Johnson's first championship win, that split decision victory over Benavidez, is the subject of this virally popular TikTok video. The video starts by showing Johnson's reaction to the victory. He puts his arms in the air, he makes a victorious gesture, he touches the belt as UFC president Dana White straps it on Johnson's waist, and he smiles broadly. A clip is then shown of Johnson defeating Elden Ring's final boss, the Elden Beast, and Johnson jumps out of his gamer chair shouting, screaming, pumping his fist, and with a huge smile.
The video is getting a lot of attention for the obvious. It looks a lot like Johnson found more enjoyment in defeating the Elden Beast than he did in winning a UFC championship. His reaction is much more animated, and he looks significantly happier. In the UFC victory clip, Johnson is much more muted emotionally.
To be fair to Johnson, the comparison isn't fair at all if taken seriously. In the UFC clip, Johnson just fought through five rounds of brutal violence. He's exhausted in the extreme. Further, he didn't knock his opponent out or submit him, he won via split decision. What he's feeling in that moment is likely relief, fatigue, and emotions that are impossible to express.
Beating Elden Ring is a very good thing, too. Millions of people across the world know how challenging Elden Ring can be. Reaching the Elden Beast, dying a multitude of times, and finally getting the victory is a moment to be celebrated. Johnson deserves that moment, just like every other Elden Ring player does. The UFC victory, on the other hand, is unique to Johnson. His reaction in that moment was the perfect one for him.
Elden Ring is available now on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
