Demetrious Johnson: 'I don't give a damn' about next opponent

Three title defenses from joining Anderson Silva in rarefied air, Demetrious Johnson doesn't much care who is next opponent is, so long as the UFC keeps lining them up.

"Mighty Mouse" is coming off of his ninth consecutive victory and seventh consecutive defense of the UFC flyweight championship against John Dodson on Sept. 5, and awaiting word on who his next challenger will be. Johnson has made it no secret that he'd like to break Silva's record of 10 consecutive title defenses, and that remains Johnson's focus more than any one specific fight.

"I don't give a damn," Johnson told reporters recently. "I just want to fight. ... People are saying Joseph (Benavidez) is next, which is fine. I'm a competitor. I want to fight whoever is going to get me to that number, breaking the record for title defenses."

There are plenty of options for the UFC matchmakers, and Benavidez would make some sense as the No. 2-ranked flyweight in the division. But Johnson has already defeated Benavidez twice, once by split decision and once by knockout, so fans may prefer a fresher fight.

That could be an opportunity for Henry Cejudo (9-0, 3-0 in UFC), though his refusal to fight in Nevada could confuse or slow matters. Bantamweight champion T.J. Dillashaw has teased wanting a pound-for-pound fight with Johnson, but that may not entice Johnson if it doesn't help with his quest toward Silva's record.

Johnson has also beaten the fighters ranked third, leaving fourth-ranked Jussier Formiga as the top-ranked potential opponent yet to get a shot. Formiga (18-3, 4-2 in UFC) has won three consecutive fights and is set for a battle with Cejudo on Nov. 21. The outcome of that fight could go a long way in determining Johnson's next opponent, or perhaps No. 9 on his checklist.