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“I Have No Interest”: MMA Legend Demetrious Johnson Hints at Retirement From MMA After His Next Title Defense, Doesn’t Want to Fight for “Two More Years”

Published 04/19/2023, 10:11 AM EDT

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The current ONE Championship flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has had a tremendous career in MMA. However, it seems as though he is nearing the end of the road. He recently discussed considering retirement after his fight against Adriano Moraes at ONE Fight Night 10. Let us take a look at what ‘Mighty Mouse’ had to say.

Demetrious Johnson is arguably one of the most decorated fighters in MMA history. He was the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, where he defended his title eleven times in the promotion. After leaving the UFC, he made waves in ONE Championship and won the promotion’s flyweight title in just five bouts.

Demetrious Johnson is preparing for the trilogy fight against Adriano Moraes

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‘Mighty Mouse’ last fought in ONE Championship in August last year against three-time flyweight champion Adriano Moraes. Their first meeting didn’t go as Johnson had planned, and he lost the fight via a second-round knockout. It was his first stoppage defeat in over 10 years as a professional fighter.

However, Demetrious Johnson was able to bounce back from that defeat and capture the flyweight title in their rematch last August with a fourth-round knockout of his own. Now, both fighters are gearing up for their trilogy fight, which will take place on May 5 at the ONE Fight Night 10 in Broomfield, Colorado.

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‘Mighty Mouse’ is considering retirement from MMA

Demetrious Johnson has indicated that his next fight against Adriano Moraes may be his last fight, even though he still has two years left on his contract. The flyweight champion told ‘theScore’ that he  is not planning to fight for another couple of years. In terms of his old retirement plans, Johnson said, “That’s not f***ing happening. I’ll tell you that: That’s not happening. F*** no.” He added, “It could be [his last fight]. You never know.”

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Johnson also revealed that he is not fighting currently to add to his legacy. But instead, he’s fighting to provide for his wife and his children. ‘Mighty Mouse’ has already cemented his legacy as one of the greatest ever. He said, “I talk to my close friends who don’t do mixed martial arts and they’re like, ‘What else are you trying to prove?’ And I’m like, ‘I’m trying to get this money, I’m trying to get this bag.'”

He also mentioned that he will consider his options after the fight in Broomfield. Johnson is also interested in pursuing Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. “I think after this fight, I’ll decide what I want to do. I want to compete in IBJJF in my Gi and work toward my black belt. … But I don’t want to fight for two more years. I have no interest.”

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Demetrious Johnson was a pioneer of UFC’s flyweight division and has become one of the most recognizable names in the world of MMA. He is 36 years old and is entering the twilight years of his professional fighting career. Fans will have to wait and see what follows after his trilogy fight against Adriano Moraes.

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Written by:

Himanga Mahanta

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Himanga Mahanta is a UFC writer at EssentiallySports. He has a passion for combat sports and a deep understanding of the intricacies of MMA. With his expertise and extensive knowledge, Himanga provides in-depth coverage of UFC events and fighters, bringing his readers closer to the action and the athletes they admire.
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Edited by:

Anuj Jacob