MMA icon Demetrious Johnson announces MMA retirement, becomes ONE Championship's first HOF inductee 

MMA legend Demetrious Johnson has announced his retirement from the sport following an illustrious career that spanned over two decades.

He announced his retirement at ONE 168 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. Johnson addressed the crowd in attendance and said:

“Like I said last time when I came to Denver, Colo., I told you guys it was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying. I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity."

Johnson was traded to ONE Championship for Ben Askren back in October 2018. However, he might still compete in jiu-jitsu events for ONE. It was also announced during the broadcast that 'Mighty Mouse' would become the first fighter to be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.

Chatri Sityodtong, the CEO of ONE Championship made the announcement and handed Johnson the Hall of Fame trophy. Honored by the induction and outlining his plan for the future, Johnson said:

"It sounds damn good to me! I have fallen in love with jiu-jitsu. I absolutely love it. That's all I think about, it's all I watch, and it's kinda like my new passion... Maybe one day you guys will see me here in a grappling match."

Catch Johnson's comments below:

Johnson began his ONE Championship journey with a guillotine choke submission win over Yuya Wakamatsu in the quarter-final stage of the flyweight Grand Prix. He went on to defeat Tatsumitsu Wada by unanimous decision in the semifinals and took on Danny Kingad next.

The American pulled off another unanimous decision win and laid hands on the ONE flyweight championship. However, in his next fight, Johnson would cross paths with Adriano Moraes, who handed 'Mighty Mouse' the only knockout loss of his 30-fight professional career.

He returned to action after a prolonged hiatus and took on Moraes in a rematch at ONE on Prime Video 1. Johnson got the better of his rival with a fourth-round flying knee knockout win and completed the trilogy against Moraes with a unanimous decision win at ONE Fight Night 10.