One of many all-time greats within the UFC has retired, with Demetrious Johnson saying that he’s leaving the game as a ‘champ’.
Demetrious Johnson Retires
Demetrious Johnson will little doubt be inducted into the UFC corridor of fame someday, because the 38-year-old is taken into account to be among the best fighters to ever enter the Octagon.
Johnson efficiently defended his flyweight title a complete of 11 instances earlier than dropping the belt in 2018, however his profitable streak is without doubt one of the longest in UFC historical past.
After saying his retirement, Johnson stated he was joyful to depart the game as a champion having received his closing bout in 2023 on dwelling soil.
“They wished me to depart the belt in right here, however I ain’t doing that,” Johnson stated. “I got here into this sport a champ and I’m leaving as a champ too.”
Demetrious Johnson introduced his retirement from MMA Friday night time.
AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND 👏 pic.twitter.com/r34qiixxRg
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 7, 2024
Johnson has a UFC document of 27 wins, three losses and one draw, with ‘Mighty Mouse’ rounding off his profession in 2018 at UFC 227 after a break up choice loss to Henry Cejudo.
Regardless of leaving the UFC over 5 years in the past, Johnson nonetheless holds numerous information within the flyweight division together with most wins, most finishes and longest win streak (13).
Dana White has responded to Johnson’s retirement over the weekend, regardless of having a frosty relationship with the previous flyweight champion whereas he was within the UFC.
“If we will return to when he was right here [in the UFC], I used to be defending him from the followers,” White stated.
“Who’s defended Demetrious Johnson greater than me? Yeah, no, good for him. Unbelievable profession he’s had. I’ve by no means had an issue with Demetrious Johnson. … Completely [we see him in the UFC Hall of Fame].”
White admitted in 2017 that Johnson’s PPV playing cards by no means drew in as a lot cash as he would have preferred, which is why followers have questioned his response to the flyweight star retiring.