TJ Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson are two of the UFC's most explosive stance-switchers, and their footwork shaped modern MMA. Analysts group Dillashaw, Johnson, and Dominick Cruz together as pioneers of neo footwork in mixed martial arts, constantly shifting between orthodox and southpaw while throwing strikes mid-transition to attack from the opponent's weak side. Johnson uses stance changes to create distance from advancing opponents and ride out inside low kicks, while Dillashaw's shifting cross and head angles became signature techniques under coach Duane Ludwig. In a recent 2026 YouTube video, Johnson visited Dillashaw to learn how the former champion stays in dominant shape in retirement. Known for relentless creativity and ferocious technical precision, both men remain combat sports' most studied footwork masters. #ufc #mma #tjdillashaw #demetriousjohnson
TJ Dillashaw and Demetrious Johnson are widely regarded as two of the UFC's most explosive stance-switchers, and analysts say their footwork helped shape how modern MMA is fought. The pair, along with Dominick Cruz, are often grouped together as pioneers of "neo footwork," a style built on constantly shifting between orthodox and southpaw.
The approach lets a fighter throw strikes mid-transition and attack from the opponent's weak side. Johnson uses stance changes to create distance from advancing opponents and to ride out inside low kicks. Dillashaw's shifting cross and head angles became signature techniques, developed under coach Duane Ludwig.
In a recent 2026 YouTube video, Johnson visited Dillashaw to learn how the former champion stays in dominant shape in retirement.
The fighters
Johnson, 40, is a 27-3-1 fighter from the United States who trains with AMC Pankration. Standing five-foot-three with a 66-inch reach, he lands 3.43 significant strikes per minute at 54 percent accuracy. His grappling is just as notable: he averages 3.35 takedowns per 15 minutes and 0.5 submission attempts over the same span.
Dillashaw, also 40, finished his career 18-5-0. He is a higher-volume striker than Johnson, landing 5.09 significant strikes per minute at 41 percent accuracy. Listed at five-foot-six with a 67-inch reach, he averages 1.56 takedowns and 0.8 submission attempts per 15 minutes. Both men are orthodox by listing, though their ability to switch stances mid-exchange is what defined their styles.
Why it matters
- Stance-switching has moved from a novelty to a standard tool, with fighters across weight classes now blending orthodox and southpaw looks.
- The contrast in numbers shows two routes to the same idea: Dillashaw's volume striking against Johnson's accuracy and takedown-heavy approach.
- Johnson seeking out Dillashaw underscores how much technical knowledge still moves between generations of fighters, even among retired champions.
Known for relentless creativity and ferocious technical precision, both men remain among combat sports' most studied footwork masters.
