Flyweight GOAT Demetrious Johnson has officially retired from MMA. After a great run DJ has called it a career. It was suspected that he was retired or retiring soon having last fought in May 2023 and being 38. 38 is very old for flyweight given smaller weight classes tend to see heavy decline with age. DJ announced his retirement at One:168 Denver in the cage.
DJ’s Retirement Speech
In the cage DJ gave a speech where he announced his retirement. The speech was a slow build as the announcement as One and DJ kept the nature of this announcement vague. It started with Demetrious joking and demanding the announcer to give him the mic getting a laugh out of the crowd and himself. He proceeded to thank the fans, team-mates and his coach Matt. DJ then teared up and started to get choked up and the crowd offered their support cheering on Demetrious.
He was then able to compose himself a bit and thanked his wife whilst his voice cracked as well as his children. he then thanked the fans again and his wife again for encouraging him to pursue his dreams. DJ also thanked One and all the staff and Chatri the promoter at One. he went to mention his last post-fight speech however his voice cracked again, so he stopped and laughed. After that Johnson quipped that he sounded like a mouse with all the voice cracks. And that caused the crowd to erupt in laughter.
Johnson then brought up his last post-fight interview where he previously discussed retirement and how he wasn’t lying. He then said that he was done competing in MMA and thanked the crowd again. DJ also thanked his dad for being in his life and again restated his love for his wife and kids.
Entering The Hall Of Fame
After the speech, Chatri announced that Demetrious Johnson is being inducted into the One Hall Of Fame then presented him with a One Hall Of Fame Award. An award the GOAT deserves. Johnson was asked about his future and DJ expressed how he’s fallen in love with Jiu Jitsu becoming a new passion. He said he’s done with MMA however he could be found competing in Gi grappling matches.
Demetrious was then asked to give his his final words and did so. He expressed his gratitude to the fans and his appreciation to all the other fighters who’ve shown him respect. DJ again thanked One, the fans, his dad, his kids, his wife. his mother-in-law, and just everyone. Johnson then said how One wanted him to leave the belt in the cage but he wouldn’t do so. Johnson said he entered the cage a champion and he’ll leave it a champion and exited the cage with his belt and his award.
The MMA career of Demetrious Johnson is officially concluded with a great retirement speech to match a great career. As befits an all-time great he went out on top still in possession of Ones flyweight championship. DJ ended his career with a record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and one draw an impressive record with massive win streaks and title defences. Not only is the record impressive but who he did it against and how as well as his longevity makes him the flyweight GOAT. Johnson could also be argued to be the GOAT period. Johnson’s skill, resume, and lack of PED test failures create a great case for him. Regardless where you place him Mighty Mouse had an excellent career and deserves all the best going forward.
Featured image credits to Embed from Getty Images
