The mixed martial arts career of UFC and ONE Championship legend Demetrious Johnson has reached its conclusion.
Johnson officially announced his retirement from the sport of MMA following 15 months of uncertainty. His final appearance was a headline victory at ONE Fight Night 10, the Asian promotion’s United States debut in May 2023.
After outpointing Adriano Moraes in their trilogy to keep hold of the ONE flyweight title, “Mighty Mouse” hinted that the victory may have marked his farewell.
That has ultimately turned out to be the case, with Johnson confirming his decision to hang up the gloves by delivering an emotional speech in front of his family and adoring fans at Friday’s ONE 168 event at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
ONE chairman Chatri Sityodtong also entered the Circle to announce Johnson as the first inductee into the organization’s Hall of Fame.
Before finding success in ONE Championship, where he secured Grand Prix and title glory, Johnson established himself as one of the greatest of all time during a record-breaking reign in the UFC.
While competing on MMA’s biggest stage, “Mighty Mouse” ruled over the 125-pound division for six years, making 11 consecutive successful defenses after becoming the inaugural UFC flyweight champ in 2012.
From his so-far unmatched streak of defenses to individual moments such as the suplex armbar he used to submit Ray Borg and flying knee that exacted revenge on Moraes, not many will depart the sport with a legacy as illustrious as Johnson’s.
