Demetrious Johnson Announces Retirement From MMA

Hear what Demetrious Johnson had to say at ONE 168: Denver 🗣️

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Demetrious Johnson has announced an end to one of the greatest MMA careers of all time on Friday.

Johnson announced his retirement during an appearance at ONE Championship 168 in Denver on Friday. Johnson made his pro debut in 2009 under the King of the Cage banner before moving to World Extreme Cagefighting, which was later acquired by the UFC. “Might Mouse” went on become the inaugural UFC flyweight champion by defeating Joseph Benavidez in a tournament finale in 2012.

This set off one of the most dominant runs in the history of the sport, which included 11 successful title defenses — the most in UFC flyweight history. Johnson relinquished his title in a split-decision loss against Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 in 2018. He was then traded to ONE Championship in exchange for then welterweight champ Ben Askren.

Johnson started his ONE Championship journey with three straight victories to win the ONE flyweight grand prix, earning himself a shot at then flyweight champ Adriano Moraes. Johnson was finished off by Moraes for the first time in his career with a knee to downed opponent, a move “Mighty Mouse” strongly advocated to be legalized in all promotions. Johnson exacted revenge with a flying knee knockout over Moraes in the rematch in to win the ONE flyweight title before defending it with a unanimous decision win in their trilogy.

The flyweight GOAT broke down in tears in his emotional retirement speech, thanking his family, teammates and fans. Johnson was also the first inductee into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame. The 38-year-old revealed that he was asked to leave his belt in the cage, which he refused to do.

“They wanted me to leave the belt in here. I ain’t doing that s—t,” Johnson said. “I came into this sport as a champ, I’m leaving my black ass as a champ too.”

Demetrious Johnson: “They wanted me to leave the belt in here, I ain’t doing that sh*t. I came into this sport as a champ, I’m leaving my black ass as a champ too.” 😭😭

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— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) September 7, 2024