“I accomplished everything I wanted to” - Demetrious Johnson has no regrets in legendary MMA career

Newly retired MMA legend Demetrious Johnson is at peace with his decision to call it a career in the multifaceted sport, believing that he was able to achieve the goals he set for himself in it and that there was nothing left to prove.

'Mighty Mouse' made his MMA exit official at ONE 168 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, U.S.A., on Sept. 6. It effectively ended the long speculation of an impending retirement as his last MMA match was over a year from the time he called it quits.

In an all-access view of his day of retirement, which was shared on his Mightycast podcast, Demetrious Johnson spoke about his thought process in deciding to finally retire in a conversation backstage with ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

The 38-year-old American legend said:

"I feel good about it. But yeah, I think it's time. Being 38 years old, I accomplished everything I wanted to in mixed martial arts and more. You know, I never thought I'd be a world champion in Asia. And world champion in North America, you know, UFC and ONE Championship."

Check out what he had to say below, beginning at 23:00:

Demetrious Johnson was last in MMA action in May last year, also in Colorado. There, fans saw him defeating Brazilian rival Adriano Moraes in their trilogy fight to successfully defend the ONE flyweight MMA world title. With his retirement, he automatically vacated the belt.

The full replay of ONE 168: Denver is available on demand for Prime Video subscribers in the United States and Canada.

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Demetrious Johnson looking forward to seeing things finally move in ONE flyweight division

Demetrious Johnson said his decision to retire was also needed for things to finally move on in the flyweight MMA division in ONE Championship, which was waiting for over a year to see what his decision would be.

He spoke about it during the post-event press conference for ONE 168: Denver on Sept. 6, where he made his MMA retirement official, highlighting how he no longer wanted to hold things up for his division for an extended period of time.

Johnson said:

"I'm happy that now the flyweight division can move on. Chatri [Sityodtong], the matchmakers, can start putting together next, you know, a flyweight championship ..."

Demetrious Johnson spent the last five years of his illustrious career in ONE Championship after dominating in North America. He finished his run in the promotion with a 6-1 record and a world champion.