MMA legend Demetrious Johnson proclaims retirement

One of many best of all time, Demetrious Johnson, is now a retired blended martial artist.

Through the ONE 168 broadcast, Johnson (25-4-1) stepped into the cage to announce his retirement, ending a legendary skilled MMA profession that started in 2009. The previous UFC flyweight champion has determined to name it a profession, and is taking the ONE Championship flyweight (135 kilos) title with him.

Whereas quipping jokes to assist struggle by way of tears, Johnson thanked his group and his household for being by his facet all through his journey in fight sports activities through the years.

“Like I stated final time, once I got here right here to Denver, Colorado, I informed you guys that was doubtlessly my final struggle, and I used to be not mendacity,” Johnson stated throughout his speech. “I’m completed. I’m completed competing in blended martial arts, and I wish to say thanks guys a lot for giving me the chance.”

The struggle Johnson referred to was his championship trilogy bout victory towards Adriano Moraes at ONE Combat Evening 10, which passed off final Might in Denver.

Instantly after Johnson’s announcement, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong additionally had one to make.

“He’s not solely the best blended martial artist of all time, but in addition the primary inductee into the Corridor of Fame in ONE Championship, DJ!” Sityodtong stated.

Johnson, who landed at No. 3 on MMA Junkie’s 30 Biggest UFC Fighters of All Time listing, put himself on the map throughout his WEC days in 2010, previous to the UFC merger. He competed as a bantamweight in his first three UFC bouts, shedding a choice to Dominick Cruz in a struggle for the division’s title in 2011.

The following yr, the UFC added the flyweight division, and Johnson claimed the vacant title by defeating Joseph Benavidez by cut up resolution at UFC 152. He would go on to defend the title 11 instances, creating a number of information within the course of.

Johnson left the UFC after a cut up resolution loss to Henry Cejudo in a title rematch, and joined ONE Championship, the place he received the flyweight grand prix in his first three fights with the promotion. He then challenged for Adriano Moraes’ title, however was completed within the second spherical at ONE on TNT 1.

Nevertheless, the next yr, “Mighty Mouse” obtained his revenge spectacularly, making a memorable fourth-round knockout by flying knee to turn into champion. Johnson went on to win a unanimous resolution within the trilogy towards Moraes, efficiently defending the title in his ultimate MMA contest.