Demetrious Johnson Announces Retirement from MMA After ONE 168

Demetrious Johnson's Retirement Announcement

MMA legend Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement during ONE 168 in Denver. The 38-year-old was the reigning ONE Championship flyweight champion and will go down as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time.

A Glorious Career

Johnson held the UFC 125lbs title for six years and defended it 11 times before signing for ONE Championship where he finished his fighting career and held the flyweight title until his retirement. At Ball Arena in Denver during ONE 168, he made an emotional speech inside the cage.

Thanking Fans and Colleagues

“I told you guys that was potentially my last fight and I was not lying. I am done,” Johnson said. “I’ve had an amazing career, and I want to say thank you to the fans; you guys have allowed me to live out my dream and show my passion for martial arts.

“I want to say thank you to all my teammates, my wife, my children, everybody at ONE Championship for giving me the opportunity to display my martial arts on this platform.”

A New Chapter in MMA History

Following his speech, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced Johnson would be the first fighter to be inducted into the promotion’s Hall of Fame. “DJ you are the greatest martial artist in history for me,” Sityodtong remarked. “I have so much respect. You have traveled the world, fought in the two biggest organizations in the world, and conquered both. There is no other mountain for you to conquer.”

Johnson headlined ONE Championship’s inaugural card in Denver last year, where he beat Adriano Moraes to win the flyweight title for the second time. He hinted at the possibility of retirement in the build-up to that bout and has not fought since.