Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, retired at 38. Widely considered the best flyweight fighter to ever compete in mixed martial arts, Johnson was known for his immense skill, speed and fight IQ.
How Demetrious Johnson Changed the Game in MMA
Johnson’s remarkable career lasted more than a decade, in which he accomplished many feats including the all-time record for most UFC flyweight title defenses (11), and became a champion in both UFC and ONE Championship. He retired as a champion with a stellar mixed martial arts record of 25 wins, four losses and one draw, a rarity in combat sports.
Demetrious Johnson’s Retirement: The Decision
Announcing his retirement, Johnson said the decision came after a long period of careful contemplation and consideration by him and his family. Destiny shared how much she missed having him home after his unanimous decision victory over Adriano Moraes in May 2023 at ONE 168. That significant moment is what led Johnson to distance himself from the sport.
Johnson told Ariel Helwani on Monday he had been contemplating retirement for the past year. For a fighter who has hopped back and forth between retirement and return, Johnson made his finality clear:
“I don’t want to be one of those guys who, ‘I’m done fighting,’ then comes back. I do jiu-jitsu now, and I love it — it makes me healthy, and it scratches my competitive itch.”
Career Overview and Achievements
UFC Flyweight Champion (2012-2018): Johnson became the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, defending his belt 11 times in a row.
ONE Championship Flyweight Champion (2022-2023): Johnson made a move to ONE Championship in a blockbuster trade for Ben Askren back in 2018. Despite a slow start, he not only delivered on the promise of a championship run, but also exacted revenge on Adriano Moraes via viral flying-knee knockout.
14 UFC Title Bouts: Johnson competed in 14 world title matches, the second most in UFC history behind only current champion Alexander Volkanovski.
Johnson, at his best, was fast, innovative and possessed a fight IQ that made him a standout in all weight classes. (Rio told him his nickname is actually the G.O.A.T., or Greatest of All Time.) Fighters and fans frequently mentioned him as a G.O.A.T. contender.
Demetrious Johnson, one of the absolute greatest MMA fighters to ever compete, just announced his retirement at the ONE Championship event in Denver.
DJ, 38, walks away with a pro record of 25-4-1. He’s one of the most decorated champions in UFC history and the greatest… pic.twitter.com/OTRoFuhCLR
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) September 7, 2024
; Demetrious Johnson’s Legacy
Johnson’s retirement has been nearly universally praised by fighters and fans of the sport alike:
Khabib Nurmagomedov: “One of the best who ever did this.”
Michael Bisping: “Legend! Incredible career. Enjoy retirement.”
Stephen Thompson: “I learned so much from Mighty Mouse. Congratulations on an incredible career!”
Johnson’s accolades were matched only by his humility and professionalism, which won him respect outside of the cage. His induction as a member of the inaugural class of the ONE Championship Hall of Fame highlights his impact to be felt around the world.
Life After MMA
Johnson has walked away from MMA, but he didn’t walk away from competition. He intends to train in jiu-jitsu and compete in grappling tournaments; he feels fulfilled in this next phase of his life.
poetry in motion. 😌 pic.twitter.com/M4RvVtFQId
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) August 29, 2022
As Johnson himself put it:
“It’s a breath of fresh air. My professor is showing me how to read jiu-jitsu more deeply.”
Important Lessons from the Career of Demetrious Johnson
MMA Record: 30 Fights (25-4-1)
UFC Flyweight Most Records: Most wins (13), finishes (7), longest winning streak (13).
Double Promotion Champion: Reigned in UFC and ONE Championship
Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s retirement is the end of a era. As the most decorated and revered figures in the sport, his legacy will live on for generations.
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