Demetrious Johnson promises ONE Championship will be his final mixed martial arts organization before he retires from the sport.
Known as one of the most dominant flyweights in the planet, ‘Mighty Mouse’ was sent to the Singapore-based promotion in late 2018 as the UFC acquired then-undefeated welterweight champion Ben Askren in the first ever MMA trade.
Prior to this historic deal, Johnson made a case as the ‘greatest flyweight of all-time’ as he defended his 125-pound title for 12 straight times, setting an impressive record for most consecutive title defences.
In his final UFC bout, he was dethroned by Henry Cejudo in a razor-close split decision loss.
Though his glory days started with the UFC, Johnson said he found his home at ONE Championship, where he plans to end his legandary MMA career.
“I will retire at ONE Championship. This is my last organization,” the flyweight great said in an interview with MMA Junkie.
Nothing To Prove
Citing ONE Championship’s way of taking care of its fighters, Johnson said there is no reason to go anywhere and prove his talent.
“I love this organization. I love everything they stand for, I love how they take care of the athletes, so this is my last (organization).”
“This is it. Once I’m done, I’m retired. I’m like, ‘I’m done, peace,’ because there’s nothing else for me to prove for North America. There truly isn’t.”
‘Mighty Mouse’ is also honored to fight in front of his fans in Asia, who have been wanting to see him fight live since his UFC days.
“I’m trying to make something of myself over here in Asia. And if I’m able to get another piece of gold, fantastic.”
“If not, I look to put on some great spectacular performances.”
“Fighting in North America for pretty much the majority of my career and each time I traveled to Asia, they’re like, ‘Can you please come over here and fight for us?’ We want to see you fight live, we want to see you fight live.’”
“I’m like, ‘OK, maybe one day I will.’ Now I’m over here fighting live for them. So I’m giving them what they wanted.”
Keeping The Focus
Though Johnson has decided where he wants to end his career, his days in the Octagon are far from over as he looks to continue showcasing his greatness for the next five years.
“I give myself five more years.”
“It all depends on the body, right? Like, I’m 32 years old (last year). I fought three times last year. I think I’ll probably fight twice this year.”
“So as long as my body (is healthy), I’m having a fun with it, and I’m enjoying it, I’m just going to keep on going.”
“But if I start, you know, getting knocked out, getting CTE and concussions and broken bones, I’m like, this isn’t worth it. I’ll focus on myself.”
“I’m just being a realist. You know what I mean? I’m 33 years old. If I put five years at ONE, that’s what, I’m going to be 38 years old if my math is correct.”
“Right, right, 38, 39. Then I’d be like, ‘Yeah, I’m done. I think I’m done.”
‘Mighty Mouse,’ 3-0 at ONE Championship, will face Adrian Moraes this April for the undisputed flyweight title.
(Featured Image Source: Instagram/ Demetrious Johnson)