“It's a good decision” - Demetrious Johnson satisfied with trading MMA career for jiu-jitsu
MMA legend Demetrious Johnson now has a new path in front of him - the world of Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ). Even before he made his retirement official, the former ONE flyweight MMA world champion was often spotted taking part in BJJ competitions, where he blasted through his opponents like he did in the Circle.
Thus, after spending five years with ONE Championship and retiring as a world champion, Johnson knew that he made a good decision to transition from the gruelling world of MMA to BJJ.
He shared the reason to call it quits at the age of 38 years old and why he chose BJJ as his next endeavor in his Mightycast podcast, right after he made his retirement official at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6.
Speaking on his move from the cage to the mats, Johnson said:
"But yeah, it's a good decision. I find a lot more enjoyment training jiu-jitsu and competing in jiu-jitsu, just because there's no injuries. Obviously, there's injuries that will come down the line."
Demetrious Johnson was last seen in action in May last year in Colorado. He defeated Adriano Moraes in their trilogy fight to defend his ONE flyweight MMA world title. After he retired, the belt was automatically vacated.
Check his full podcast series here:
Demetrious Johnson's emotional farewell message at ONE 168: Denver
Demetrious Johnson bid farewell to the sport of MMA at ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6. On the night, the MMA superstar made an emotional speech, and became the first fighter to be drafted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.
The 15-time MMA world champion, who competed in the UFC before completing his career with ONE Championship, said:
"Like I said, I think it's always good not preparing a speech. Because I feel when you prepare a speech, you focus on reading the words and getting your thoughts out. But when you speak from the heart, feel the energy of the crowd, you see your wife, you see your kids, you see everybody, it's just f****ing hard, you know. It's not hard, it's just a big chapter of my life, after so long, that I have dedicated to martial arts."