Demetrious Johnson is done.
The UFC legend and former ONE flyweight champion announced his retirement at ONE 168 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., on Friday evening.
“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,” an emotional Johnson told the crowd.
Hear what Demetrious Johnson had to say at ONE 168: Denver ️
— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) September 7, 2024
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Johnson, who might still compete in jiu-jitsu for ONE, was inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame after his speech.
Since defeating Adriano Moraes at a ONE Fight Night event in Broomfield, Colo., 16 months ago, Johnson has stayed busy with his podcasting career as well as taking part in grappling competitions.
The 38-year-old is widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the history of combat sports. Prior to his successfully ONE run, Johnson was a star in the UFC, successfully setting the record for the most consecutive title defenses by retaining the flyweight title 11 straight times from 2012-2018.
Johnson’s tenure with the UFC ended in October 2018 when he was traded to ONE for Ben Askren in a historic deal between major promotions.