Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the former UFC flyweight champion and current ONE Championship flyweight champion, has officially announced his retirement from professional MMA. Ending his career with a record of 25-4-1, Johnson leaves behind a legacy that solidifies his status as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Making the announcement at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado, Johnson expressed his gratitude to his fans and confirmed that he is stepping away from competing in the sport he has dedicated his life to.
Known for his lightning speed, exceptional wrestling, and elusive movement, Johnson’s career spanned over a decade and showcased his dominance in both the UFC and ONE Championship. Starting as a bantamweight in the UFC in 2011, Johnson eventually found his true calling in the newly introduced flyweight division. Winning the inaugural flyweight championship in 2012 by defeating Joseph Benavidez, Johnson went on to reign supreme in the division for five years.
Despite his impressive reign as UFC flyweight champion, Johnson faced challenges from the promotion regarding the lack of star power in the division. This ultimately led to his controversial split decision loss to Henry Cejudo, after which he was traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren. Johnson’s transition to ONE Championship marked a new chapter in his career, where he continued to showcase his skills and resilience.
One Championship Legacy
Fighting out of Parkland, Washington, Johnson made history in ONE Championship by becoming the first fighter to win and successfully defend the flyweight title. His trilogy bout against Adriano Moraes solidified his legacy in the promotion, with Johnson delivering a memorable knockout victory in their final fight in 2023. Despite not competing in the UFC for over five years, Johnson still holds multiple records in the flyweight division, further solidifying his status as one of the all-time greats.
During the retirement announcement, it was revealed that Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson would be the first fighter to be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame. This honor recognizes his contributions to the sport and his impact on the flyweight division. Johnson’s dedication and perseverance have left a lasting legacy in MMA, inspiring future generations of fighters to reach their full potential.
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s retirement marks the end of an era in mixed martial arts. His exceptional skills, unmatched work ethic, and humble demeanor have endeared him to fans around the world. Johnson’s legacy will forever be etched in the history of MMA, serving as a reminder of what true greatness looks like in the sport.
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