“I still could do that if I really wanted to” - Retired Demetrious Johnson teases possible return to ONE’s submission grappling ranks

We may have yet to see the last of the legendary Demetrious Johnson in ONE Championship. The former flyweight MMA world champion, considered on the short list of MMA's Greatest of All Time candidates, officially walked away from the sport in a heartfelt ceremony at ONE 168: Denver last September.

While we'll probably never see 'Mighty Mouse' don the four-ounce gloves again, his martial arts journey is far from over.

Speaking in an interview with MMA Fighting, Johnson said he's not closing the door on potentially competing in ONE Championship's talent-stacked submission grappling ranks.

"I'm truly grateful for that. If I wanted to grapple in ONE Championship, I could do that sh*t. I still could do that if I really wanted to."

Moreover, 'Mighty Mouse' said the world's largest martial arts organization's multitude of combat sports offerings gives him a lot of options in case he wants to make a return. He added:

"So I think ONE Championship is amazing. It gives athletes the opportunity to do more."

Demetrious Johnson has truly fallen in love with 'The Gentle Art', as we've seen in his remarkable conquest of the IBJJF Gi scene.

The 38-year-old black belt's grappling repertoire is a joy to watch, and there would certainly be a massive public clamor if he competed under the ONE banner once more.

Watch Demetrious Johnson's interview in its entirety:

Demetrious Johnson is extremely grateful to ONE Championship

After dominating North America, Demetrious Johnson took his talents to Asia and continued his legacy of excellence in ONE Championship.

According to Johnson, it was the best decision he ever made. The American MMA icon said in the same interview:

"It was the perfect opportunity, a company that valued my morals and my skill set, that won't really focus on getting rid of the flyweights."

Johnson's amazing run in the home of martial arts certainly cemented his place among the greats. From his memorable trilogy with Adriano Moraes and the madness of that mixed-rules match with Rodtang Jitmuangnon, 'DJ' is truly GOATED.