One of MMA’s greatest ever fighters seemed to still have a lot in the tank when he retired from the sport last year.
Less than two years ago, Demetrious Johnson had the final fight of his career in ONE Championship, settling his trilogy with Adriano Moraes. The Brazilian was the only man outside of the UFC and WEC to defeat him, but Johnson got it back with a knockout win and a decision to seal his spot atop the division.
After a year out of action, ‘Mighty Mouse’ opted against competing again and made an emotional retirement last September. Now, a year later, he has had offers but has no interest in even entertaining such a prospect.
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Demetrious Johnson offers negative update on MMA comeback
Despite still feeling that he is at a world championship level, Demetrious Johnson has no interest in returning to the cage. He feels that he era of using his body to make money is over, aside from modelling jobs and other endeavours.
“There’s got to be a point in time when it’s like, ‘OK, when is it enough?’” Johnson told MMA Junkie. “I felt that after the Adriano (Moraes) fight, this is the pinnacle. I was UFC champion, I was a ONE Championship champion, there’s nothing else for me to prove here. What, make more money?”
While there have been offers, none have even piqued his interest. “I’ve had great offers,” he continued. “Had a few offers come in, and I’m like, ‘No, I’m good,’ because I feel I try to be a man of my word.
“I told myself that I was never going to take a fight to make money. Those days of using my body to make money are over. I’m not going to sign a contract and go fight.”
Demetrious Johnson had emotional retirement last May
In September of last year, Johnson stepped into the cage in Denver after being named in the Hall of Fame for ONE Championship. He announced to the crowd in a teary speech that at the age of 38 he would be retiring from the sport.
“First off I want to say thank you to the fans,” he told the crowd while choking back tears. “You guys have always been amazing to me as I live out my dreams and show my passion through martial arts.
“I want to say thank you to all of my teammates from the very beginning back in 2006 all the way to 2024, it’s been a long journey. Thank you to Matt, thank you to my wife and my children, my mother in law.
“Thank you you guys, you have made me a better person, a better athlete, thank you to my wife for always encouraging me to pursue my passion, my dreams. Thank you to everybody at ONE Championship; the staff, the competition team, social media team, we appreciate you.
“Thank you to Chatri [ONE Championship’s owner] for giving me the opportunity to display my martial arts on this platform. Like I said last time, I sound like a damn mouse, when I came here to Denver, Colorado I told you guys that was potentially my last fight.
“I was not lying, I am done competing in Mixed Martial Arts and I want to say thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity. I appreciate you guys.”