Demetrious Johnson has been busy hunting for his next fight – and he may have found one that will surprise fans.
Last week, the ONE flyweight MMA world champion called out All Elite Wrestling star Kenny Omega and challenged him to take him on in “Street Fighter,” a game that Omega is famously good at.
In an episode of his “MightyCast” podcast, Johnson laid down the gauntlet to the hulking wrestler, saying they should square off in virtual reality in the name of charity.
“No, I would f-ck him up in ‘Street Fighter 6.’ I guarantee it,” Johnson said.
“Kenny Omega, people out there say you’re one of the greatest at ‘Street Fighter 6,’ but I’m putting $100, hell, I’ll put $1,000 on it. ‘Street Fighter 6,’ me vs. you, I guarantee I beat you. We can do five matches – ‘Street Fighter 6,’ not modern controllers, classic controllers. Well, you can do modern if you want. Bet you $1,000, your boy ‘Mighty’ right here beats you in ‘Street Fighter 6.’”
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the 37-year-old captioned the podcast clip with a suggestion that the pair do battle live at an AEW event.
“Hey @KennyOmegamanX, I hear you’re pretty good at Street Fighter. How about you put your money where your mouth is and face ME at @AEW WrestleDream in my hometown of Seattle in a 1 v 1 battle in Street Fighter 6!
Loser donates to the charity of the winner’s choosing. You game?”
Hey @KennyOmegamanX, I hear you're pretty good at Street Fighter. How about you put your money where your mouth is and face ME at @AEW WrestleDream in my hometown of Seattle in a 1 v 1 battle in Street Fighter 6!
Loser donates to the charity of the winner's choosing. You game? pic.twitter.com/T2j10ShIiA
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) September 7, 2023
Omega didn’t take the callout lying down and quickly returned some light-hearted banter, comparing Johnson to his previous “Street Fighter” victim – WWE’s Austin Creed.
“Anyone’s free to insult my wrestling ability, but this cockamamie idea that you’re better at Street Fighter than me?! That makes it personal. For charity, I’ll do it – Heck, I can even put you in touch with @AustinCreedWins. You guys can bond over being losers, etc.,” he said.
Anyone’s free to insult my wrestling ability but this cockamamie idea that you’re better at Street Fighter than me?! That makes it personal. For charity, I’ll do it – Heck, I can even put you in touch with @AustinCreedWins . You guys can bond over being losers, etc. https://t.co/meWcHtrb5H
— Kenny Omega (@KennyOmegamanX) September 8, 2023
“Mighty Mouse” has been actively honing his gaming skills as he contemplates his future in MMA.
The flyweight legend defended his World Title in a five-round classic against longtime rival Adriano Moraes at ONE’s landmark United States debut event in May, and he revealed that the epic trilogy battle might be his last in his post-fight interview.
While it remains to be seen whether a virtual battle between Johnson and Omega will materialize, it’s clear that the American MMA star’s thirst for competition remains intact.
