Demetrious Johnson announces retirement: 'I am done'

09/07/2024 03:00 AM

On Friday, at ONE 168, mixed martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement.  

Johnson (25-4-1) made his professional MMA debut in 2009 after going 9-0 in his three years as an amateur.  He fought in the WEC before landing in the UFC.  Until the flyweight division was brought into the UFC in 2012, Johnson was fighting well above his weight class.  

Johnson won the flyweight championship at UFC 152, defeating Joseph Benavidez.  He went on to defend the title 11 consecutive times and cemented his legacy as one of the greats.    

"Like I said last time, when I came here to Denver, Colorado, I told you guys that was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying," said an emotional Johnson. "I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to say thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity."  

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Following Johnson's announcement speech, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong presented "Mighty Mouse" with a gold-colored award and made Johnson the first fighter inducted in the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.  

"He is not only the greatest mixed martial artist of all time, but also the first inductee into the Hall of Fame in ONE Championship, DJ!" Sityodtong said.

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