Demetrious Johnson says he stepped away from MMA on his own terms and is content with his decision to retire after a storied run across multiple promotions.
Johnson, who turned professional in 2009 and became the face of the UFC men’s flyweight division, captured the inaugural UFC flyweight title at UFC 152 by defeating Joseph Benavidez. He went on a record-setting run of 11 title defenses before eventually moving to ONE Championship, where his final bout was a successful first title defense in May 2023.
Reflecting on why retirement has come easily, Johnson said, "I think for me, probably because my whole career, I've stayed humbled and had humility," and recalled how little his life changed even after becoming champion. "You know, I never let the lights get to me. After I'll have a big amazing fight – I'll never forget after I won at UFC 152, became a champion, I was on the couch. I was doing an interview, I think it was AXS TV HD Fight Net with Kenny Florian and Bas Rutten. They were like, 'What are you doing with all the money?' I was like, 'I put it in the bank. I got to mow the lawn. I'll chat with you guys later.'"
Johnson contrasted his exit with more common retirements in the sport, noting, "For me, I was like, I felt like I've done everything. I don't know what else is left to do. Let me go challenge myself with my intellect, and see if I can provide for my family in that way." He has since been inducted into the Modern Wing of the UFC Hall of Fame and is recognized as a pioneer of the men’s flyweight division.
