MMA Legend Demetrious Johnson Announces Retirement at 38

Demetrious Johnson poses with ONE belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

The octagon said goodbye to one of its greatest kings. One of the greatest names in the history of MMA, Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement during ONE 168, held in Denver, Colorado. At 38 years old, the former UFC flyweight champion (up to 56,7 kg.) thanked his fans, family, training partners and the ONE Championship organization.

“Thank you guys, you made me a better person, a better athlete, thank you to my wife for always encouraging me, thank you to ONE for being able to show everything here and, as I said the last time I was here, that it would probably be my last fight, and I wasn’t lying. This is it. I’m ending my career in mixed martial arts. Thank you all for this opportunity. I really appreciate all of you. Thank you to my father, who came into my life in the last few years,” he said.

See too

Khabib gets excited and almost 'finishes' cousin in fight; Usman Nurmagomedov keeps belt in Bellator

Gilbert Durinho speaks out after third straight UFC loss and issues retirement warning

Chinese man suffers multiple facial fractures, eye injury after 'tennis ball' in brutal UFC defeat

After leaving the UFC, Demetrious moved to ONE Championship, where he continued to shine and established himself as one of the greatest fighters of all time. Now, outside the octagon, the American intends to dedicate himself to jiu-jitsu and his personal projects.

“I fell in love with jiu-jitsu. It’s what I watch and want. I remember when I saw the Rashad evans in MMA and I thought I wanted to do the same thing. Now, I'm a kimono guy. I'm in love with jiu-jitsu. Fans, once again, thank you very much. All my peers, everyone who has always given me so much respect, thank you to ONE, thank you to my wife, my parents, my children, they wanted me to leave my belt here, but no, I'm going to take it to my gym”, he concluded.

Demetrious Johnson is an MMA legend

Demetrious Johnson, who began his MMA journey in 2009, has built an impeccable career. In the UFC, he won the flyweight belt and defended it a record 12 times. In his career, he had 24 wins and four losses, in addition to one draw.

When moving to ONE Championship, the North American maintained his high level, with highlights including the victory over Adriano Moraes, in May 2023, his last in professional MMA.