Demetrious Johnson retires: Ex-UFC champion quitsv MMA at 38
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Demetrious Johnson was unbeaten in the UFC between 2012 and 2017
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has retired from mixed martial arts at the age of 38.
Johnson is considered one of the greatest MMA fighters of all time and the best flyweight to grace the sport.
Nicknamed 'Mighty Mouse', the American was the inaugural UFC flyweight champion and successfully defended the title 11 times between 2012 and 2017 before losing it in 2018.
He held the flyweight title in the ONE Championship for two years until announcing his decision during ONE 168 in Denver on Friday.
"They wanted me to leave the belt in here, but I ain't doing that," Johnson said.
"I came into this sport a champ and I'm leaving as a champ too."
He has a record of 25 wins, four losses and one draw.
Johnson's last bout was a points win over Adriano Moraes in May 2023, his first fight on home soil since 2018.
Johnson left the UFC five years ago, but remains the holder of several flyweight records, including most wins (13), most finishes (seven) and longest winning streak (13).
At his peak, Johnson was known for his incredible speed of action and thought, and his innovation was admired across all weight classes.
Johnson exited the UFC in a shock swap deal with ONE in 2018 in which welterweight Ben Askren moved in the other direction.
Johnson became ONE flyweight champion, losing his first title attempt to Moraes before immediately avenging the defeat with a flying knee knockout that went viral in the combat sports community.
Johnson competed in 14 world title fights in the UFC, losing only two - to Dominick Cruz at bantamweight in 2011 and Henry Cejudo at flyweight in 2017.
After his retirement, Johnson was named as the first inductee into the new ONE Championship Hall of Fame.
He intends to continue competing in grappling tournaments.
Many fighters and fans honoured Johnson by posting a goat emoji, signalling his status as a contender for greatest of all time.
Former UFC champion Michael Bisping: "Legend! Mighty Mouse incredible career. Enjoy retirement brother."
Former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov: "One of the best who ever did this."
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhmmad: "Congrats Mighty Mouse."
Retired UFC fighter Alan Jouban: "Congrats on an incredible career Mighty Mouse. Not only one of the GOATS of MMA but also one of the best fight IQs we’ve been fortunate enough to see. Enjoy this new chapter."
PFL fighter Derek Brunson: "Johnson has retired from MMA. Will we ever see another dominate flyweight?"
UFC welterweight Stephen Thompson: "One of the greatest to ever do it! I have learned and still learn so much from Mighty Mouse! Congrats on a phenomenal career my friend!"
MMA journalist Ariel Helwani: "He’s one of the most decorated champions in UFC history and the greatest flyweight ever. No question. Most importantly? He was one of the kindest, classiest and most professional people in MMA history."
