- Demetrious Johnson retired from MMA
- “Mighty Mouse” receives touching tributes from his fellow MMA fighters
Demetrious Johnson has finally hung his gloves.
‘Mighty Mouse’ says goodbye
On Friday, “Mighty Mouse” announced his retirement and made it official in front of live audience at ONE 168. In an emotional speech, the former UFC flyweight champion and ONE legend said goodbye to his beloved sport.
“Like I said last time when I came to Denver, Colo., I told you guys it was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying. I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity,” Johnson told the crowd.
https://x.com/ONEChampionship/status/1832255730113503273
Johnson was rightfully inducted into the ONE Hall of Fame after his moving speech. Despite being retired, DJ is likely to compete in jiu-jitsu events and tournaments of the promotion. Heading into his retirement, “Mighty Mouse” has been competing in grappling and working on his podcasting career.
The MMA world salutes a true legend
Unsurprisingly, the MMA community paid tribute to Johnson. A wide array of pro MMA fighters congratulated “Mighty Mouse” for capping off such a legendary career.
Well that was emotional ❤️ thank you everyone!!!
— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) September 7, 2024
Check out what they had to say below:
One of the greatest to ever do it! I have learned and still learn so much from @MightyMouse ! Congrats on a phenomenal career my friend! #legend
— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 7, 2024
That officially is the end of an era in MMA! #MightMouseRetires Big Respect @MightyMouse You are the modern equivalent of Bruce Lee to a generation!
— The Thugjitsu Master (@thugjitsumaster) September 7, 2024
Legend! @MightyMouse incredible career. Enjoy retirement brother. https://t.co/tdH5ula1yZ
— michael (@bisping) September 7, 2024
Congrats my man!
— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 7, 2024
https://x.com/takeya_miz/status/1832265594357608749
https://x.com/JeremyKennedyWC/status/1832255022488547416
Demetrius “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has retired from mma. Will we ever see another dominate flyweight !
— Derek Brunson (@DerekBrunson) September 7, 2024
Johnson is considered as one MMA’s of the all-time greats. He is known for his successful career in ONE Championship but prior to that, “Mighty Mouse” was a prominent figure in the UFC, where he achieved a remarkable feat by defending his flyweight title 11 consecutive times from 2012 to 2018.
His time in the UFC concluded in October 2018 when he was involved in a groundbreaking trade to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. Johnson finished his MMA career with a 25-4-1 record.
In his ONE debut in March 2019, he secured a submission victory over Yuya Wakamatsu.
Sure, there was that bump in the road against Adriano Moraes. But in true champion fashion, DJ came back and reclaimed that title. And now, he rides off into the sunset on top.
What do you think, folks? Did DJ pick the right time to call it quits? Or were you hoping for one more run?
