Exclusive: Kajan Johnson Says Joining Project Spearhead Caused MMAFA To Boot Him
To call Kajan Johnson outspoken would be a massive understatement. Even though he has a big fight ahead in March, he hasn't slowed down his outside activities.
It was announced recently that the UFC fighter would be joining Leslie Smith's Project Spearhead as Interim Vice President, but he says that his affiliation with the group has led to his departure from the MMAFA. When speaking to Fightful.com's James Lynch, Johnson opened up about the experience.
"I'm there to help with whatever they need and give my insights. Me and her have been looking at this for years. We have differing viewpoints, but that's one of the beautiful things about Spearhead. All of these view points are welcome. Whether you think we need to be a union, an association, whether you think we need a CBA or we should be MMA contractors, we can all get together and figure out what's best as a group. Right now I'm interim Vice President, when more fighters join we'll be able to have elections, because these positions should be democratically elected. We made a decision that we'd like to start including Bellator fighters as well. I'm reaching out to Bellator fighters as well. I'm going to be talking to Rory (MacDonald). I'm no longer with the MMAFA, unfortunately. Because if this new effort, they wanted to distance themselves from me, which was a little disheartening. They think we're hurting their cause, but I think we can all work together. I'm really worried that us unionizing only UFC fighters will only solidify the UFC's monopoly. We need the Ali Act, we need a free market, moving back and forth between organizations." said Johnson.
In addition to Johnson and Smith, Al Iaquinta has joined the group as interim Secretary & Treasurer. The two have had issues before, which Johnson made light of to Lynch.
"I'm really glad he jumped on board. So far he's talking to me. In social media he's blocked me from everything, and I'm still blocked," Johnson laughed. "It's really great to see him take action and do something that is going to help us in the long term."
Johnson would also discuss his move back to Tristar Gym, which he said was a necessary move for this fight. Johnson also has performed as a rapper in addition to his career fighting and his work with project Spearhead.
In the full interview, Kajan Johnson (22-12-1) discusses his upcoming fight against Steven Ray (21-7) at UFC Fight Night 127 on Mar. 17.Kajan also talks about training in Montreal at Tristar Gym, his work with Project Spearhead and what's next for him.