Demetrious Johnson announces MMA retirement

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson announced on Friday that he is retiring after a stellar mixed martial arts career.

Johnson, 39, who is the current ONE Championship flyweight champion, made the announcement at ONE 169 in Denver. Johnson's last fight was in May 2023, when he defeated Adriano Moraes by unanimous decision in Colorado to keep the flyweight title.

Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement from MMA Friday night.

AN ABSOLUTE LEGEND 👏 pic.twitter.com/r34qiixxRg

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) September 7, 2024

"Like I said last time, when I came to Denver, Colorado, I told you guys that was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying," Johnson said. "I am done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to say thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity."

Johnson, who debuted in 2009, retires with an MMA record of 25-4-1 and is regarded as one of the best flyweight competitors of all time. He holds the UFC flyweight records for most wins (13), longest winning streak (13) and most finishes (seven).

During the ONE 169 broadcast, it was announced that Johnson will be the first fighter inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.