Demetrious Johnson.–ONE CHAMPIONSHIP PHOTO
MANILA, Philippines–Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is going out on top.
The legendary ONE Flyweight MMA world champion, considered by many as the greatest MMA fighter of all time, called it a career after an illustrious 18-year professional run that saw him collect all the titles that he can get from all over the world.
He fittingly made his emotional announcement in ONE 168: Denver on Saturday (Manila time) in front of an adoring American crowd inside Ball Arena in Colorado.
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“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 for giving me the opportunity to display my martial arts on this platform,” the 38-year-old Johnson said in an emotional 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.”
After his announcement, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong formally named Johnson as the first athlete to make it to the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.
READ: Rocking debut as Demetrious Johnson submits Yuya Wakamatsu in ONE Flyweight GP
“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 traveled the entire world, fought on the two biggest organizations in the world, conquered both. There is no other mountain for you to conquer,” Sityodtong said.
“He is not only the greatest mixed martial artist of all time but also the first inductee to the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.”
Before signing with ONE Championship in 2019, held the UFC flyweight title from 2012 to 2018.