Former UFC flyweight champion and reigning ONE Championship flyweight king, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, announced his retirement at ONE 168. At 38 years old, Johnson has officially hung up his gloves, leaving an indelible mark on the sport and a void in the hearts of fans worldwide.
Known for his lightning-fast speed, technical prowess, and unparalleled cage control, Johnson compiled a professional MMA record of 25-4-1. He made history as the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, successfully defending his title an unprecedented 11 times, surpassing Anderson Silva’s previous record. Johnson’s career was a highlight reel of high-level competition, showcasing his explosive striking, elusive movement, and well-rounded skill set that cemented his status as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time.
Joining the UFC through the WEC merger, Johnson captured the flyweight title in 2012 with victories over Ian McCall and Joseph Benavidez. Since then, he has solidified his place as one of the most dominant forces in MMA. In ONE Championship, he continued his reign of dominance, leaving an enduring legacy in the world of combat sports.
While Johnson has yet to officially disclose the reasons for his retirement, many speculate that he wishes to spend more time with his family and pursue other personal endeavors after a storied career. His departure leaves a significant void in the MMA community but serves as an inspiration to aspiring fighters everywhere.
In a special announcement during the broadcast, Johnson will be the first inductee into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame. Although the ONE flyweight championship will remain vacant, Johnson has stated that he will not leave his belt in the cage. “They want me to leave the belt here, but I’m not going to do that,” Johnson said. “I came into this sport as a champion, and I’m going out as a champion.”
Demetrious Johnson is not only a champion inside the cage but also a symbol of hard work, discipline, and sportsmanship. His legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and the world of combat sports for years to come.
