Boxing Legend Demetrious Johnson Announces Retirement

Former UFC flyweight champion and current ONE Championship flyweight titleholder, Demetrious Johnson, known for his incredible speed, wrestling, and elusive movement, has officially retired from mixed martial arts (MMA). Johnson announced his retirement at ONE 168 in Denver on Friday. This is prepared by SSP.

Debuting in the UFC as a bantamweight in 2011, Johnson quickly became dominant in the flyweight division, capturing the inaugural title in 2012 by defeating Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152. As "Mighty Mouse," Johnson defended his UFC flyweight championship 11 times until losing it to Henry Cejudo in 2018 by a controversial split decision. Johnson was later traded to ONE Championship, where he held the flyweight title for two years until his retirement. He completed his career with an MMA record of 25 wins, four losses, and one draw.

"I'm leaving this sport as I came in, a champion," Johnson said during his emotional speech, highlighting his intention to keep his belt despite requests to leave it in the ring. "They wanted me to leave the belt in here. I ain't doing that."

After joining ONE Championship in 2019, Johnson initially failed to secure the title, but went on to triumph against Adriano Moraes in subsequent rematches, defending his title until his retirement. Competing in Denver, the state where he last fought and defeated Moraes by unanimous decision, Johnson reiterated that his previous match was likely his final bout.

With his legendary status and numerous MMA records, including most wins, finishes, and longest winning streak in the UFC flyweight division, Johnson was celebrated by being named the first inductee into the newly established ONE Championship Hall of Fame.

As Demetrious Johnson steps away from MMA, his exceptional career and unmatched legacy in the flyweight division remain immortalized in the sport.