“I feel that it has come to that point of time” - Demetrious Johnson reflects on decision to walk off into the sunset
Demetrious Johnson chose to walk away from mixed martial arts as one of the greatest pound-for-pound athletes to compete in the sport.
After nearly two decades of dominance in promotions around the world, 'Mighty Mouse' announced at ONE 168: Denver that he would be laying down his four-ounce gloves for good, putting a cap on a career that has seen him win world titles in some of the biggest stages in combat sports.
It was an emotional scene at Ball Arena as Johnson laid down his ONE flyweight MMA world championship—before promptly picking it back up and leaving with it—and was announced as the first-ever inductee into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.
Addressing his retirement on YouTube, 'DJ' shared some insight into his decision and what ultimately led him to close this chapter of his life.
"It's just a big chapter of my life that, after so long, dedicated to martial arts," Johnson said. 'And it's not like I can't train anymore, I can't fight, or I can't do it but I feel that it has come to that point of time when an athlete is like 'When enough is enough."
'The Monkey God' wishes Demetrious Johnson farewell
Interim ONE strawweight MMA world champion Jarred Brooks offered his reaction to Johnson's announcement, wishing 'DJ' well and showing respect for one of the greatest fighters the sport has ever seen.
"Happy retirement to the greatest mixed martial artist of all time," Brooks wrote on Instagram. "I am truly thankful for everything he has displayed in his career and gave people like me a reason to start. I am heartbroken I didn’t get a chance to go at it with him and share the Circle. But hopefully, we can grapple at some point in @onechampionship! Nothing but respect! Happy retirement enjoy your family mighty."
It was undoubtedly a bittersweet moment for 'The Monkey God' who had voiced his dream of fighting Demetrious Johnson on more than one occasion.
While he may never get the opportunity to test himself in mixed martial arts against the man many believe to be the sport's undisputed GOAT, perhaps we could see Brooks and 'Mighty Mouse' test each other's BJJ skills in a submission grappling clash.
If you missed any of the action, ONE Championship fans in the United States and Canada can watch the ONE 168: Denver replay on demand via Amazon Prime Video.