Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, the reigning ONE Championship flyweight world champion, won’t force his sons – Tyron, Maverick, and Tanyth – to follow in his MMA footsteps. However, he’s always ready to lay a solid foundation if they choose to pursue martial arts like their father.
At 38, Johnson is a master of various combat styles, from wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu to Muay Thai and kickboxing. Yet, when it comes to his sons, he opts for the gentle yet technical art of Jiu-Jitsu, inspiring all three boys. His sons have begun their own grappling journeys, with a strong passion for Jiu-Jitsu.
In a conversation with ONE Championship teammate Angela Lee, Johnson shared: “All three of my sons do Jiu-Jitsu. The oldest one really enjoys competing. The middle one can’t handle the pressure and doesn’t like losing.” This highlights the different personalities of each child and how Johnson respects their individual preferences.
Beyond Jiu-Jitsu, Johnson also develops his sons’ overall athleticism through various sports like soccer and track and field. Tyron, his eldest son, plays soccer and is about to participate in track and field competitions. Johnson emphasizes: “I’m developing their athleticism, giving them good cardio, explosiveness, and sprinting ability. If they want to pursue mixed martial arts, they’ll have a better advantage than I did.”
Although Johnson officially retired at 38 at ONE 168, he’s proud that his sons have the opportunity for the best possible start if they choose to pursue an MMA career. With the foundation and guidance of a world champion, Tyron, Maverick, and Tanyth will have a smoother path than most if they choose the professional fighting route.
Conclusion
Johnson is not only a legendary fighter but also a dedicated father who continuously supports and develops his sons’ potential. Tyron and his brothers’ journeys may be long, but with the guidance of a champion like Johnson, their chances of shining in the martial arts world are immense.
