This date in MMA history: Demetrious Johnson starts historic UFC flyweight title reign

09/22/2024 02:30 PM

A dozen years ago, Demetrious Johnson made history.

“Mighty Mouse” outworked Joseph Benavidez for a split decision in the final of a four-man tournament to become the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion. It was the start of a run in the division that will be hard to topple.

Johnson defended the 125-pound title 11 consecutive times before he lost it in a highly debatable split decision to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 a little more than six years ago. After that, he moved to ONE Championship, where he won that promotion’s 135-pound title before he recently announced his retirement.

On the anniversary of that first UFC flyweight title fight, take a look back at Johnson’s UFC title wins while he was considered by many to be the top pound-for-pound fighter in the sport.

Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez, UFC 152

Johnson def. John Dodson, UFC on FOX 6

Johnson def. John Moraga, UFC on FOX 8

Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez, UFC on FOX 9

Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov, UFC 174

Johnson def. Chris Cariaso, UFC 178

Johnson def. Kyogi Horiguchi, UFC 186

Johnson def. John Dodson, UFC 191

Johnson def. Henry Cejudo, UFC 197

Johnson def. Tim Elliott, TUF 24 Finale

Johnson def. Wilson Reis, UFC on FOX 24

Johnson def. Ray Borg, UFC 216