"The flyweight division can move on" - Retired Demetrious Johnson says Adriano Moraes, Danny Kingad should vie for vacant title
Demetrious Johnson had the fans at the Ball Arena in Denver eating out of the palm of his hand this past weekend. At ONE 168, one of the greatest careers in MMA history came to an end as 'Mighty Mouse' announced his decision to retire.
It was an emotional moment for all involved, but it also impacted the flyweight MMA division that Johnson had dominated for so long.
In his retirement, he vacated the ONE flyweight world championship, meaning that the gold is now up for grabs between the other contenders. During his press conference after the event, Johnson himself teed up an upcoming fight that could be made for the interim title.
Adriano Moraes and Danny Kingad have faced each other for the flyweight gold in the past, meaning that their rematch at ONE 169 could be the right fight to crown a new champion:
"I'm happy that now that the flyweight division can move on. Chatri, the matchmakers, can start putting together next, you know, a flyweight championship. Adriano and I think it's Danny Kingad are fighting next. So they can move on.
Watch the full press conference below:
Demetrious Johnson had a stellar run in ONE's flyweight MMA division
Though it is a great shame to lose an incredible fighter and role model like Demetrious Johnson, the flyweight MMA division may benefit from his absence.
During his run in the ONE Championship, he defeated Danny Kingad and Adriano Moraes, but there's no shame in losing to arguably the greatest of all time.
His trilogy with Moraes will always be remembered as the absolute peak of this division but now it's time for his reign to come to an end as a new chapter begins for the weight class.
We will soon find out who will be taking his place as the new champion of the flyweights. Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada can watch the full replay of ONE 168 on demand.
Tickets for ONE 169: Atlanta are available via Ticketmaster.