Demetrious Johnson, MMA's Greatest Flyweight, Announces Retirement

Demetrious Johnson MMAs Greatest Flyweight Announces Retirement

Demetrious Johnson, MMA's Greatest Flyweight, Announces Retirement

MMA fans around the world are reflecting on the career of a true legend as Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson announces his retirement from mixed martial arts. This decision, made public at a ONE Championship event in Denver on September 6, 2024, marks the end of an era for one of the sport's most celebrated fighters. Johnson, who turned 38 this year, leaves behind a legacy that redefined the flyweight division and set new standards for greatness in MMA.

Johnson's professional journey has been nothing short of remarkable. With a career record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw, he has been a dominant force in the flyweight category. His tenure began with his historic reign as the UFC Flyweight Champion, where he captured the inaugural title and held it for an unprecedented 11 consecutive defenses. This record established him as the benchmark for excellence in the flyweight division. Although he lost the title to Henry Cejudo in 2018, Johnson's impact on the sport was undeniable.

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In March 2019, Johnson made a significant career move by joining ONE Championship, a prominent Asian promotion, in a groundbreaking trade deal with the UFC that saw Ben Askren move in the opposite direction. Despite facing a loss to Adriano Moraes in his ONE debut, Johnson's resilience shone through as he avenged this defeat in subsequent bouts, including a dramatic win over Moraes in their trilogy fight.

Throughout his career, Johnson has not only excelled in the UFC but also made significant contributions to ONE Championship. By defeating Moraes a second time, Johnson joined an elite group of fighters who have held titles in two major promotions, highlighting his versatility and dominance in the sport.

In a fitting tribute to his illustrious career, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced that Johnson would be the first inductee into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. This honor underscores Johnson’s impact on the sport and his role in elevating the profile of MMA globally.

Johnson’s decision to retire was hinted at earlier when he suggested that his trilogy fight against Moraes could potentially be his final professional appearance. His retirement marks the end of an extraordinary journey for a fighter who has set numerous records and earned the respect and admiration of fans and peers alike.

As the MMA community processes this news, there is no doubt that Demetrious Johnson’s legacy will continue to inspire future generations of fighters. His unparalleled skill, sportsmanship, and contributions to the sport ensure that his name will be remembered as one of the greatest in MMA history.

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