2024, SEPTEMBER 05 – One of the most legendary careers in Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) came to an end on Friday when Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson announced his retirement from the sport. The 38-year-old former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Flyweight champion and ONE Championship titleholder officially hung up his gloves at ONE Championship 168, held at Ball Arena in Denver.
Johnson (25-4-1) made a special entrance to the cage, where he addressed the crowd and confirmed that his MMA career was over. “They wanted me to leave the belt in here, but I ain’t doing that,” Johnson said during an emotional speech. “I came into this sport a champ, and I’m leaving as a champ too.”
Immediately after his announcement, Johnson became the first fighter to be inducted into the newly established ONE Championship Hall of Fame. While he hinted that he may return to compete in grappling tournaments, Johnson made it clear that his days in MMA are behind him.
A Legendary Career Across Two Promotions
Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Johnson dominated the flyweight division for years. He was the inaugural UFC Flyweight champion and defended the title a record 11 times between 2012 and 2017. His reign included victories over top competition, showcasing his renowned speed, tactical brilliance, and innovative fighting style.
Johnson’s UFC career saw him set numerous records, including the most flyweight wins (13), most finishes (7), and the longest winning streak (13). He only suffered two losses in UFC title fights: one to Dominick Cruz at Bantamweight in 2011 and the other to Henry Cejudo in 2017, which ended his Flyweight title reign.
In a stunning move in 2018, Johnson left the UFC as part of a trade deal with ONE Championship that sent welterweight Ben Askren to the UFC. Once in ONE Championship, Johnson captured the Flyweight title and continued to build his legacy. Though he lost his first title shot to Adriano Moraes, he immediately avenged the defeat in a viral moment, knocking Moraes out with a flying knee in their rematch.
A Fighter Who Exited on His Own Terms
Johnson’s final bout came in May 2023, when he secured a decision win over Moraes, fighting on U.S. soil for the first time in five years. It was a fitting end to his illustrious career, as Johnson walked away with a championship belt still around his waist.
Though Johnson is done with MMA, he remains open to competing in grappling competitions, staying connected to the sport that made him a household name. His induction into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame cements his legacy as one of the all-time greats, both in the UFC and ONE Championship, where he continually redefined what it meant to be a champion.
With 14 world title fights, records that may never be broken, and an indelible mark left on the sport, Demetrious Johnson leaves as one of the best to ever do it. His combination of skill, innovation, and humility made him a beloved figure in the MMA world, ensuring his legacy will be remembered for years to come.
