Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, a former UFC flyweight champion and current ONE Championship flyweight champion, announced his retirement at ONE 168 in Denver, Colorado. With a professional MMA record of 25-4-1, Johnson is widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. Known for his lightning speed, exceptional wrestling, and elusive movement, Johnson leaves behind a decorated legacy in which he dominated the flyweight division.
Johnson’s outstanding MMA career was primarily fought in the UFC and ONE Championship. He started his UFC tenure as a bantamweight in 2011 but found his success in the newly introduced flyweight division in 2012. Johnson participated in a tournament to determine the inaugural flyweight champion and defeated Joseph Benavidez to claim the title at UFC 152. From 2012 to 2017, he reigned supreme in the division, setting multiple records and establishing himself as a dominant champion.
In 2018, after losing his UFC flyweight title to Henry Cejudo, Johnson was traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren. He made his debut for the promotion in 2019 and faced some setbacks before ultimately capturing the ONE flyweight title in 2022. Johnson’s journey in ONE Championship showcased his versatility and determination to succeed in a new environment.
Leaving a Lasting Legacy
While Johnson hasn’t competed in the UFC for over five years, he still holds numerous UFC flyweight records, including most wins, most finishes, and longest winning streak. His impact on the sport has been recognized by ONE Championship, which announced that Johnson will be the first fighter inducted into their Hall of Fame. Johnson’s retirement marks the end of an era in the flyweight division, but his influence on the sport will continue to inspire future generations of fighters.
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s retirement is a bittersweet moment for MMA fans around the world. His skill, work ethic, and sportsmanship have solidified his place in the history of the sport. As he hangs up his gloves, Johnson leaves behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
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