Demetrious Johnson retires in Denver, joins ONE Championship Hall of Fame

Demetrious Johnson, a former UFC flyweight champion, announced his retirement during an emotional speech at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Friday night. This event coincided with his induction into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame, marking a significant milestone in his illustrious career. Johnson, who was traded to ONE Championship in 2018, concluded his MMA career with an impressive record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Throughout his time in ONE Championship, Johnson achieved notable success, including winning the bantamweight Grand Prix and the title. His career highlights include being the inaugural UFC Flyweight Champion, a title he won in 2012, and holding the record for the longest reign as a champion in UFC history at 2,142 days. Johnson's legacy is further solidified by his unique achievement of being the first fighter to hold championships in both the UFC and ONE. Despite facing challenges, including a stoppage loss to Adriano Moraes in 2021, Johnson rebounded by avenging that defeat in subsequent matches. His career has been marked by remarkable performances, including a memorable submission that earned accolades as the 'Submission of the Year' in 2017. Johnson's journey in mixed martial arts began in 2006, and he has consistently been regarded as one of the greatest fighters in the sport. His retirement and Hall of Fame induction serve as a testament to his contributions to MMA, leaving a lasting impact on the sport and inspiring future generations of fighters. Johnson's legacy will be remembered for his skill, sportsmanship, and the records he set throughout his career.