“Everybody wants job security in this life, but that’s also life,” he said. “Even if you worked in the corporate world, you’re always trying to battle to move up and battle to get this next promotion or even keep your job. It’s just a part of life. So I try not to sulk about it. I was doing good and dropped one fight, and then I was automatically back in the position where I was like, damn, if I lose one more, is that going to be it? But it is what it is. You can either let that break you or you can let that make you. For me, I just want to focus on the next one. I was super happy that I did get a new contract, and I appreciate that from (matchmaker) Sean (Shelby). It gives me a little bit more security, but, at the same time, you got to go in there. Every fight could be your last one. It’s good to have that mindset to be grateful that I’m even doing this. I’ve been in the UFC, this will be my 11th fight, so I’m grateful to even be doing that, but you got to keep that mindset that this could be it, so you better go out there and show people why you belong here.”
MORE UFC FIGHT NIGHT: Fight By Fight Preview | Fighters On The Rise | Main Event Spotlight
Ten UFC fights, six wins, a trio of losses and a no contest. Not a bad run thus far, and now he’ll face off with a highly touted prospect in Matsumoto who is looking to rebound from his first pro loss. Just like any fight, there’s a lot of pressure, facing a young gun looking to move up, but it’s what Johns lives for.
“I just love it,” he laughs. “I just freaking love fighting. I love the training, I love the fights, I love it all. It’s just who I am. I feel like it’s been who I am my whole life and I’m not ready to give it up yet.”
