Demetrius “Mighty Mouse” Johnson offered a blunt assessment of women’s MMA while speaking with Sean O’Malley on a recent podcast.

Asked about Ariel Helwani’s suggestion that Nunes vs. Harrison should headline a Paramount event over Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett, Johnson didn’t hesitate.

I think honestly, I like that Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett is the main event.

I don’t like Amanda Nunes coming out of retirement for this fight.
I like somebody who’s done what she’s done in the sport of mixed martial arts.

I like to let our legends sleep. Let them ride off into paradise.

Johnson then turned to what he views as the core problem – the lack of depth in women’s MMA:

I just feel like women’s MMA is just so far behind.
I might get a lot of [criticism] for this, but I just feel like the talent pool is just so far behind.

He questioned why a retired champion was needed to create a matchup in the first place:

Are you telling me there’s not another person in the division that can’t fight Kayla Harrison?
Like, let me look at that division.

Johnson pointed to several active fighters as alternatives, naming Norma Dumont, Ketlen Vieira, Yana Santos, and Irene Aldana as viable opponents who could face Harrison without relying on Nunes’ return.

The former flyweight champion also made his viewing preference clear when comparing the proposed women’s bout to the men’s matchup:

Would I rather watch Kayla Harrison or Amanda Nunes over Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett?
You’re out of your mind.

I cannot wait to see Justin Gaethje versus Paddy Pimblett.
They’re going to be throwing heat.

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