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On a momentous night at ONE 168, UFC legend and former ONE flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson officially hung up his gloves, announcing his retirement from mixed martial arts at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. The iconic fighter, who has left an indelible mark on the sport, delivered an emotional speech to the crowd on Friday evening, confirming his decision.
"As I said last time I was in Denver, I told you it might be my last fight, and I wasn’t kidding. I’m done. I’m done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to thank you all so much for giving me the opportunity,” Johnson declared to an applauding audience, his voice heavy with emotion.
Though stepping away from the octagon, Johnson hinted he might still participate in jiu-jitsu competitions under ONE Championship’s banner. In recognition of his contributions, he was inducted into the prestigious ONE Championship Hall of Fame, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest athletes in combat sports history.
Johnson, 38, leaves behind a storied career. Since defeating Adriano Moraes at a ONE Fight Night in Broomfield, Colorado, 16 months ago, he has kept busy outside the cage, exploring podcasting and grappling competitions. His achievements in MMA are unparalleled, having set a UFC record with 11 consecutive flyweight title defenses between 2012 and 2018, a feat that remains unmatched.
Johnson’s journey took a dramatic turn in 2018 when the UFC orchestrated a historic trade that saw him move to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. That deal, a first-of-its-kind between major MMA promotions, would only elevate Johnson’s stature in combat sports.
With his retirement, Johnson closes the chapter on an extraordinary career, but his influence on MMA will be felt for years to come.
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