Demetrious Johnson, former UFC flyweight king, retires from MMA

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson ends his career.

The former UFC flyweight champion, current ONE Championship flyweight champion and arguably one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time announced Friday night at ONE 168 in Denver that he will be retiring from his martial arts career.

Johnson, 38, retires with a professional MMA record of 25-4-1 and leaves behind an illustrious legacy in which he is widely regarded as the best fighter to ever compete in the flyweight division. Johnson announced his retirement in the state where he last competed, defeating Adriano Moraes by unanimous decision to defend the flyweight title in May 2023.

“Like I said last time when I came to Denver, Colorado, I told you guys this might be my last fight, and I wasn't lying,” said a tearful-looking Johnson. “I'm done competing in mixed martial arts.”

Known for his lightning speed, exceptional grappling and elusive moves, Johnson fought primarily in the UFC and ONE Championship during his stellar MMA career. The AMC Pankration fighter began his UFC career in 2011 as a bantamweight, falling short in his attempt to win the UFC 135-pound title against Dominick Cruz. The promotion introduced the flyweight division in early 2012, which was better suited for Johnson. He entered a tournament to determine the inaugural flyweight champion, defeating Joseph Benavidez by split decision at UFC 152 to win gold.

From 2012 to 2017, Johnson swept through the division, knocking back his opponents in dominant fashion. In 2018, news emerged that the UFC was considering shutting down the division due to the promotion's smallest weight class lacking star power. This was largely due to Johnson's commanding reign as champion and the promotion's inability to find a rival for him. Johnson lost his title to Henry Cejudo via a controversial split decision and was subsequently traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren in 2018.

Johnson, a native of Parkland, Washington, made his debut for the promotion in 2019 and failed in his first attempt to win ONE Championship gold against Moraes in 2021. However, Johnson was successful in his second attempt, knocking out Moraes in 2022 and winning the decision match in 2023.

Although he hasn't competed in the UFC for over five years, Johnson still holds many UFC flyweight records, including most wins (13), most finishes (7), and longest winning streak (13).

During the broadcast, it was announced that Johnson would be the first fighter inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.

The ONE flyweight title is being vacated, but Johnson had no intention of leaving the belt in the cage that night.

“They wanted me to leave the belt here, but I'm not doing that shit,” Johnson said. “I came into this sport as a champion and I'm leaving as a champion.”