Demetrious Johnson “Mighty Mouse” , one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, has officially announced his retirement. The former UFC flyweight champion and current ONE Championship flyweight titleholder made the announcement during ONE 168 in Denver, bringing to a close a career that spanned over a decade and solidified his legacy in the sport of MMA.
Johnson, who retires at the age of 38, leaves behind a remarkable career. His professional MMA record of 25-4-1 is a testament to his dominance, particularly in the flyweight division. After competing in five different promotions and reigning supreme as the UFC flyweight king, Johnson made the bold move to ONE Championship, where he would continue his winning ways. In doing so, Johnson not only cemented his status as one of the greatest fighters ever, but also raised the profile of ONE Championship on the global stage.
The Early Days: From UFC to ONE Championship
Demetrious Johnson first gained fame in the UFC, where he became the inaugural flyweight champion after defeating Joseph Benavidez in a closely contested bout at UFC 152 in 2012. Demetrious Johnson was a force to be reckoned with in the UFC, defending the flyweight title a record 11 times, surpassing Anderson Silva’s previous mark for the most consecutive title defenses. Known for his lightning-fast speed, exceptional wrestling, and unrelenting cardio, Demetrious Johnson dominated the division from 2012 to 2017, leaving no doubt that he was the best flyweight fighter of all time.
However, in 2018, after a controversial split decision loss to Henry Cejudo in a rematch, Demetrious Johnson made headlines by becoming part of the first-ever fighter trade between UFC and ONE Championship. The UFC sent Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren, a move that surprised many but opened a new chapter in Johnson’s illustrious career.
Upon arriving at ONE Championship, Johnson wasted no time making an impact. In 2019, he won the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix, further proving his skills on the international stage. Although he initially fell short in his first bid to capture the ONE flyweight title against Adriano Moraes in 2021, Demetrious Johnson bounced back in 2022 with a thrilling fourth-round knockout of Moraes to claim the title. He successfully defended his belt in 2023, defeating Moraes by unanimous decision in a rubber match.
The Retirement Announcement at ONE 168
During the ONE 168 event in Denver, Demetrious Johnson confirmed what many had speculated: that his time in mixed martial arts was coming to an end. Fighting back tears.
I told you guys that was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying. I am done competing in mixed martial arts.
-Demetrious Johnson
The emotional moment was made even more special when it was revealed that Johnson would become the first fighter inducted into the newly created ONE Championship Hall of Fame. This honor speaks to Johnson’s incredible contributions not only to the sport but also to ONE Championship, where he became one of the most recognizable and respected athletes.
Johnson’s retirement marks the end of an era for both the UFC and ONE Championship. While his UFC flyweight records for most wins (13), most finishes (7), and longest winning streak (13) remain untouched, Johnson’s move to ONE Championship helped elevate the promotion to new heights. His accomplishments in ONE further solidified the organization’s reputation as a serious player in the global MMA landscape.
Legacy and What’s Next
Johnson’s decision to retire as the reigning ONE Championship flyweight champion only adds to his legacy. “They wanted me to leave the belt in here, but I ain’t doing that,” Johnson said after the announcement. “I came into this sport a champ, and I’m leaving as a champ, too.” True to his character, Johnson maintained his pride and competitive spirit even in his final moments as an active fighter.
Though he is stepping away from MMA, Johnson hinted that he may not be entirely done with combat sports. He expressed his interest in continuing to train in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, leaving open the possibility of future involvement in grappling competitions. Additionally, Johnson has already made inroads into the media world with his podcast, making a full-time media career another potential avenue for the future.
As Johnson transitions out of fighting, his legacy is secure. Widely regarded as the greatest flyweight fighter of all time, Johnson’s dominance in both the UFC and ONE Championship will be remembered for years to come. He set the bar incredibly high for the flyweight division and leaves behind a decorated career that aspiring fighters will look up to.
The Impact on ONE Championship
Johnson’s retirement also raises questions about the future of the flyweight division in ONE Championship. With Johnson vacating the title, a new champion will eventually be crowned. However, the influence Johnson has had on the promotion goes beyond titles. His decision to join ONE Championship brought more international attention to the organization, and his continued success proved that ONE fighters were capable of competing with the best in the world.
In the end, Demetrious Johnson’s career will be remembered not just for the titles and accolades, but for the way he carried himself inside and outside the cage. His retirement marks the end of a remarkable journey, but his legacy as a pioneer in ONE Championship and one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time is firmly intact.