MMA great Demetrious Johnson announces retirement

MANILA, Philippines -- One of the best mixed martial artists to ever put on a pair of gloves, Demetrious Johnson has called it a career.

The “Mighty Mouse,” the ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion, announced his retirement during the ONE 168: Denver on Saturday (Manila time).

“You guys made me a better person. A better athlete. Thank you to my wife for always pushing me to pursue my dreams. Thank you to ONE Championship, the staff, the competition team, the social media team, thank you to Chatri [Sityodtong] for giving me the opportunity to display my martial arts on this platform,” Johnson said in a retirement speech.

“Like I said last time, When I came here in Denver, Colorado I said that it was potentially my last fight and I was not lying. I’m done, I’m done competing in mixed martial arts and I would like to thank you guys for giving me the opportunity. I appreciate you guys,” he added.

Sityodtong, the ONE chairman and chief executive officer, said that he is the first to be named in the ONE Championship HHall of Fame.

“DJ you’re the greatest martial artist in history for me. From one lifelong martial artist to another, I have so much mad respect for you. You travelled the entire world, fought on the two biggest organizations in the world, conquered both,” he said.

“There is no other mountain for you to conquer… He is not only the greatest mixed martial artist of all time but also the first inductee to the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.”

Since arriving in ONE from the Ultimate Fighting Championship, Johnson won three straight before falling against Adriano Moraes in 2021 via knockout. This was the only loss of his ONE career.

Johnson then won against Rodtang Jitmuangnon via submission in his next match, before getting his revenge twice against Moraes. His final fight was last year, defending his title against the Brazilian Moraes.

Aside from Johnson’s retirement, the ONE 168 card was full of surprises, with Thai fighter Superlek Kiatmoo9 defeating Jonathan Haggerty for the bantamweight muay thai world championship via first-round knockout.

Meanwhile, Seksan Or Kwanmuang beat Kiam Harrison in a catchweight muay thai bout in the co-main event.