Demetrious Johnson looks back on an incredible 2022
2022 was another stellar year for pound-for-pound great Demetrious Johnson. ‘Mighty Mouse’ is once again on top, capturing the ONE flyweight world championship with a highlight-reel-worthy knockout of former titleholder Adriano Moraes at ONE on Prime Video 1 in August.
Prior to his world title victory, Johnson made history by competing in the promotion’s first-ever mixed-rules bout with Muay Thai icon Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Johnson delivered yet another spectacular performance, defeating ‘The Iron Man’ via a second-round rear-naked choke. Discussing his incredible year with ONE Championship, Demetrious Johnson said:
“It was great. I fought twice. I fought Rodtang [Jitmuangnon] in a mixed-rules fight at ONE X, ten-year anniversary for ONE Championship. After that fight, stock rose, especially coming off that loss to Adriano [Moraes] after probably a year off. I fought in April then I fought in March, so almost a full year off due to COVID, obviously."
He added:
“I came back and fought Adriano where I thought I was going to fight somebody else because Kairat Akhmetov is on a four-fight winning streak and I figured he was going to have a title shot. But with the ONE Championship and Amazon Prime deal, Chatri [Sityodtong] wanted to have a banger for the first inaugural [show]. I didn’t disappoint, I believe. I went out there and put on a great fight and finished Adriano. I’m still healthy and blessed. I can’t complain, it’s been a great year.”
2023 could be another banner year for Demetrious Johnson
As great as 2022 was for Demetrious Johnson, the pound-for-pound great could have an equally exciting 2023. Johnson will once again be part of ONE Championship history as he headlines the promotion’s debut event in the United States on May 5.
‘Mighty Mouse’ will meet Adriano Moraes once again as the pair close out their rivalry with a highly-anticipated trilogy bout at the 1stBank Center in Colorado.
Depending on how things turn out at ONE on Prime Video 10 this spring, Demetrious Johnson may have a very exciting summer with everyone seemingly interested in sharing the circle with him. Recently, ONE’s first submission grappling world champion, Mikey Musumeci, shared a desire to compete with Johnson in a grappling bout.
Newly crowned strawweight titleholder Jarred Brooks has made it very clear that a champion vs. champion showdown with Johnson is on his MMA bucket list. Then you have exciting matchups against potential flyweight contenders including Kairat Akhmetov and Reece McLaren. The possibilities are practically endless.
Who would you like to see Demetrious Johnson face once he closes the book on his rivalry with Adriano Moraes this May?