Sean O`Malley`s coach, Tim Welch, recently showcased his impressive jiu-jitsu expertise in a new YouTube video, securing a submission victory over one of the UFC`s legendary fighters, Demetrious Johnson.
Welch, recognized as one of the most respected coaches in the sport, welcomed the legendary former UFC flyweight champion to his Red Hawk Academy recently.
While focus remains on O`Malley`s upcoming UFC 316 main event against Merab Dvalishvili, scheduled for June 7th in Newark, Welch managed to get in a solid training session with Johnson, which was recorded for their respective YouTube channels.
Coach Tim Welch Makes Demetrious Johnson Tap Out
During his recent visit to Arizona, Demetrious Johnson spent time training at Tim Welch’s Red Hawk Academy, participating in Sean O’Malley’s camp preparations for UFC 316. Johnson joins a list of notable figures, including Israel Adesanya, who have trained with the former bantamweight champion.
The session involved gi jiu-jitsu. Welch provided detailed commentary on the techniques point by point during a lengthy video. At one moment, the former Bellator competitor successfully applied a brilliant submission that led `Mighty Mouse` to reluctantly tap.
Commenting on the footage, Welch explained that securing the back and achieving double collar grips is a “very strong” position to be in.
Some viewers in the comments section pointed out that Welch’s considerable weight advantage over Johnson, a career flyweight, might have been a contributing factor. Welch last weighed in at 195lb for a grappling match in 2020, his most recent known competition weight, while Johnson competed at 135lb as recently as 2023 and has a significantly smaller physique.
Sean O`Malley Prepares for UFC 316 Against Merab Dvalishvili
After discussing his grappling experience with Johnson, Welch briefly teased footage of himself training with O’Malley in the cage. While limited, this clip did demonstrate the significant size advantage the bantamweight champion holds over opponents in his division.
Welch mentioned in his commentary that Johnson completed around four or five rounds with O’Malley before they moved onto pad work. ‘Suga’ is currently deep in training camp for his scheduled fight against Dvalishvili.
Johnson retired last year after concluding his career successfully in ONE Championship. However, given the high level he demonstrates in training, many feel he could still compete. Despite this, Johnson stated clearly in the video that a return “ain’t happening.”
