WATCH: MMA legend Demetrious Johnson's incredible run of martial arts greatness in ONE Championship
ONE Championship and its fans welcomed once-in-a-generation flyweight MMA star Demetrious Johnson with open arms in October 2018, and he graced the circle with many memorable performances.
Days after 'Mighty Mouse' announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168: Denver on September 6 inside the Ball Arena, ONE Championship shared Johnson's greatest hits on YouTube:
Johnson cemented his arrival to the world's largest martial arts promotion by winning the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship over Danny Kingad in October 2019.
Along with his historic mixed-rules matchup with ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon in March 2022, Johnson's legendary run also features a highly acclaimed trilogy with then-reigning ONE flyweight MMA world champion Adriano Moraes.
'Mikinho' successfully defended the 135-pound MMA crown by handing Johnson his first knockout loss in April 2021. However, Johnson poetically earned his revenge by dethroning Moraes with a perfectly timed flying knee in their August 2022 rematch. The AMC Pankration and Evolve MMA star won the trilogy bout in May 2023.
ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced Johnson, who is the only fighter to have won world championships in both ONE Championship and the UFC, as the inaugural inductee to the ONE Championship Hall of Fame following his retirement speech at ONE 168: Denver.
Demetrious Johnson's former foe Danny Kingad grateful for his ONE Championship arrival
Filipino spitfire Danny Kingad opened up on how Demetrious Johnson's unexpected ONE Championship arrival influenced the rest of the flyweight MMA division to strive for greatness.
'The King' recently told ONE in an interview:
"Our division was lucky to have him. I think everyone knew they had to raise their game because of DJ, and that's a good thing — it set a new standard for all of us."