“A lot healthier for the athletes” - Demetrious Johnson praises ONE Championship’s weight and hydration protocols

Demetrious Johnson talked about his experience with the "healthier" weight and hydration protocols used by ONE Championship.

Between 2019 and 2023, Johnson solidified his legacy in ONE by becoming the undisputed flyweight MMA world champion. 'Mighty Mouse' retired from the sport in 2024 but plans to continue helping the Chatri Sityodtong-run promotion grow.

Johnson has stayed connected with the MMA community by posting content on his YouTube channel. During a recent interview with Rich Franklin, the 38-year-old legend had this to say about ONE Championship weight and hydration protocols:

“Once I went to ONE Championship and I went to 135, I was like, ‘Oh this is perfect.’ I’m not cutting this much weight. I actually like when ONE Championship made it you have to weigh in two times and pass hydration two times before your fight because you could not cheat the system. You just couldn’t do it.”

Johnson continued:

"And I think a lot of people don’t understand that was a lot healthier for the athletes. There’s a lot of people who don’t understand who do they test hydration in ONE Championship? I tried to explain it, maybe you can explain it better than I can.”

Watch Johnson's entire interview with ONE Vice President Rich Franklin below:

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Demetrious Johnson is “enjoying journey of jiu-jitsu”

Demetrious Johnson doesn't plan to fully retire from combat sports. Over the past year, 'Mighty Mouse' has competed in submission grappling several times, utilizing his high-level jiu-jitsu skills.

Johnson talked about his new journey in the sport during an interview with MMA Fighting:

"Let’s see what we can do. Let’s see how we can enjoy the journey of jiu-jitsu."

Demetrious Johnson retired from ONE Championship with an overall record of 6-1, including five wins in MMA and one in a legendary mixed-rules bout against Rodtang Jitmuangnon. Johnson's lone defeat was against Adriano Moraes, which he later avenged with back-to-back wins in the rematch and trilogy.

Johnson walks away from MMA as one of the greatest fighters of all time. 'Mighty Mouse' will continue to be a part of the sport through his social media content.

Watch Johnson's entire interview with MMA Fighting below: