On Friday, at ONE 168, blended martial arts legend Demetrious Johnson introduced his retirement.
Johnson (25-4-1) made his skilled MMA debut in 2009 after going 9-0 in his three years as an newbie. He fought within the WEC earlier than touchdown within the UFC. Till the flyweight division was introduced into the UFC in 2012, Johnson was preventing properly above his weight class.
Johnson gained the flyweight championship at UFC 152, defeating Joseph Benavidez. He went on to defend the title 11 consecutive occasions and cemented his legacy as one of many greats.
“Like I mentioned final time, once I got here right here to Denver, Colorado, I instructed you guys that was doubtlessly my final struggle, and I used to be not mendacity,” mentioned an emotional Johnson. “I’m accomplished. I’m accomplished competing in blended martial arts, and I need to say thanks guys a lot for giving me the chance.”
View the unique article to see embedded media.
Following Johnson’s announcement speech, ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong introduced “Mighty Mouse” with a gold-colored award and made Johnson the primary fighter inducted within the ONE Championship Corridor of Fame.
“He isn’t solely the best blended martial artist of all time, but in addition the primary inductee into the Corridor of Fame in ONE Championship, DJ!” Sityodtong mentioned.
View the unique article to see embedded media.