![Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168: Denver. [Photo via: ONE Championship]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2024/09/b73f6-17258774766076-1920.jpg)
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ONE Championship fans waited with bated breath to hear what ONE flyweight MMA world champion Demetrious Johnson had to say in his special announcement at ONE 168: Denver this past Friday, Sept. 6.
ONE Vice President Rich Franklin confirmed Johnson's appearance inside the Ball Arena during the pre-fight press conference. Still, few thought it would be 'Mighty Mouse' announcing his retirement from MMA.
Watch Demetrious Johnson's heartfelt retirement speech below, which ONE posted on YouTube:
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Johnson kicked off his ONE tenure on a three-fight winning streak, including a unanimous decision victory over Filipino star Danny Kingad in October 2019 to win the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix Championship.
Johnson next challenged then-ONE flyweight MMA world champion Adriano Moraes in April 2021, where 'Mikinho' handed Johnson his first knockout loss. However, the 38-year-old exacted his revenge in their August 2022 rematch with an eerily similar flying knee knockout to win the 135-pound MMA crown. Johnson went on to win the trilogy bout in May 2023.
The AMC Pankration and Evolve MMA product also competed in the first-ever mixed-rules matchup at ONE X in March 2022 against ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon. The American great won via rear-naked choke in the second round.
Johnson retires from MMA as the only person to win gold in both ONE Championship and UFC.
Before Johnson moved to ONE Championship in 2019, he defended the UFC flyweight world title a record 11 straight times.
Demetrious Johnson becomes first inductee to ONE Championship Hall of Fame
After Demetrious Johnson's tearful speech, ONE Championship Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong announced him as the first fighter to be inducted into the ONE Championship Hall of Fame.
Here's what Johnson said after receiving the honor at the 5:23 mark of the video above:
"It sounds damn good to me!"
Fans in the United States and Canada with an active Prime Video subscription can rewatch ONE 168: Denver via the full fight replay.
