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Demetrious Johnson Announces MMA Retirement; Ragged UFC, ONE Flyweight Champion

DENVER, COLORADO - MAY 5:  Demetrious Johnson during the post fight press conference for ONE Championship Fight Night 10 on May 05, 2023, at the 1st Bank Center in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Christopher Colon/Pximages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Christopher Colon/Pximages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Photos

Flyweight account Demetrious Johnson offered his retirement from MMA on Friday at ONE 168.

An emotional Johnson said goodbye to the game and turned the first inductee into ONE Championship’s Corridor of Reputation.

The 38-one year-feeble leaves with a expert file of 25-4-1. His final wrestle observed him catch the rubber match in opposition to Adriano Moraes by unanimous resolution in Could merely 2023.

He made his pro debut in 2009 and signed with UFC in 2011. By 2012, he changed into as soon as crowned as the inaugural flyweight champion after beating Ian McCall after which Joseph Benavidez in a four-man match.

Johnson proceeded to set up UFC’s flyweight division in a metaphorical chokehold. He efficiently defended his title in 11 straight fights, breaking Anderson Silva’s file.

Henry Cejudo at final introduced Johnson’s skedaddle to an dwell, a success a rupture up resolution at UFC 227 in August 2018 to change into the recent flyweight champion.

Johnson joined ONE Championship later that one year in what amounted to a substitute sending Ben Askren the assorted manner to the UFC. He beat Yuya Wakamatsu by submission in his first ONE wrestle in March 2019. Whereas his first crack at ONE’s flyweight belt changed into as soon as unsuccessful, ensuing in a knockout loss to Moraes in 2021, he avenged the defeat in 2022.

Johnson’s retirement manner ONE wants a brand recent flyweight champion with the title now vacated.

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