Demetrious Johnson News

UFC legend thinks Valentina Shevchenko vs. Zhang Weili could be retirement fight
Fernando Quiles Jr. - February 9, 2025
If Zhang Weili and Valentina Shevchenko end up sharing the Octagon, will it be their swan songs? Weili was in action this past Saturday, defending her strawweight gold against Tatiana Suarez in the co-main event of UFC 312. Zhang entered the fight as a slight underdog, but she put forth a dominant performance from the beginning of the second round until the final horn. She scored the unanimous decision victory after five rounds of action.

Alexandre Pantoja makes fresh pitch to Demetrious Johnson for superfight
Harry Kettle - December 13, 2024
UFC flyweight champion Alexandre Pantoja has made a fresh pitch to Demetrious Johnson for a possible superfight. Right now, Alexandre Pantoja is one of the most impressive champions in mixed martial arts. He took the belt in a great fight and ever since then, he’s been putting on some fantastic bouts – and successfully defending the belt along the way. Now, though, many are wondering what could be next for him.

Demetrious Johnson opens up on decision to reject UFC title shot offer from Alexandre Pantoja: "My legacy doesn't need him"
Josh Evanoff - December 9, 2024
Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson has no interest in facing Alexandre Pantoja. ‘The Cannibal’ returned to the octagon in the main event of UFC 310 over the weekend. Back for the first time since defeating Steve Erceg in May, Alexandre Pantoja met former RIZIN champion Kai Asakura. The 31-year-old challenger entered the bout riding a wave of momentum, last knocking out Juan Archuleta last December.

Alexandre Pantoja reacts after Demetrious Johnson shoots down his UFC 310 callout: “It’s not about money”
Fernando Quiles Jr. - December 8, 2024
Alexandre Pantoja is aware of Demetrious Johnson’s response to his callout. Pantoja surprised MMA fans when he called for a showdown with “Mighty Mouse” at the conclusion of UFC 310. The UFC flyweight champion had a successful title defense against Kai Asakura, earning a second-round submission finish. After the fight, Pantoja expressed his desire to share the Octagon with Johnson, who retired from pro MMA competition earlier this year.

Demetrious Johnson explains how Tom Aspinall can give Jon Jones issues in title fight: 'I feel comfortable saying that'
Fernando Quiles Jr. - November 19, 2024
Demetrious Johnson believes Tom Aspinall has the physical traits to dethrone Jon Jones. Jones holds the UFC Heavyweight Championship, while Aspinall is the interim titleholder. Aspinall was in attendance for UFC 309 to witness Jones pick Stipe Miocic apart. “Bones” scored a third-round TKO finish courtesy of a spinning back kick to the solar plexus.

Demetrious Johnson says ONE attempted to lure him out of retirement for Mikey Musumeci super fight
Curtis Calhoun - October 16, 2024
MMA legend Demetrious Johnson nearly postponed his retirement for a special rules match against ONE grappling standout Mikey Musumeci. Johnson, after a decorated career in mixed martial arts, announced his fighting retirement in front of the world at ONE 168 in Denver. He retired as one of the greatest MMA fighters of all-time, including a record-setting run as the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion.

Demetrious Johnson explains why Jon Jones isn't the Michael Jordan of MMA
Harry Kettle - September 28, 2024
Demetrious Johnson has explained why he doesn’t see Jon Jones as the Michael Jordan of mixed martial arts. In the eyes of many, Jon Jones is the greatest fighter of all time. He’s done some incredible things in the sport and later this year, he’ll hope to cement his legacy even further when he battles Stipe Miocic. In doing so, he’ll be defending his UFC heavyweight championship against the man who many believe is the best heavyweight ever.

Demetrious Johnson reveals interesting reason behind MMA retirement
Harry Kettle - September 10, 2024
Demetrious Johnson has provided a fascinating reason for his recent retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts. Over the course of his career, Demetrious Johnson cemented himself as a legend in the sport of MMA. From the UFC to ONE Championship and beyond, he has been a success wherever he’s gone. Now, he’s looking ahead to the future after retiring.

Daniel Cormier explains the "truest" part of Demetrious Johnson's MMA legacy
Curtis Calhoun - September 9, 2024
UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier shared an under-discussed aspect of Demetrious Johnson’s greatness after the legend retired from MMA. Johnson announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168 last weekend in Denver. He hadn’t fought since a trilogy win against Adriano Moraes at ONE Fight Night 10 and wants to transition full-time to grappling competitions.

Brandon Moreno praises fellow flyweight Demetrious Johnson after retirement announcement: "Legend of the sport"
Josh Evanoff - September 9, 2024
Brandon Moreno has nothing but respect for UFC legend Demetrious Johnson. ‘Mighty Mouse’ made his return to the cage at ONE 168 over the weekend. Prior to the event, the promotion teased that Demetrious Johnson had a big announcement to make. While the 38-year-old had teased one final fight, that won’t be happening. Instead, Johnson announced his retirement in an emotional speech that had fans, and even the legend himself, in tears.

Demetrious Johnson inducted into ONE Hall of Fame
BJPENN.COM Staff - September 9, 2024
Demetrious Johnson officially brought the curtains down on his illustrious MMA run at ONE 168: Denver. “Mighty Mouse” emotionally bid farewell in front of a passionate crowd at Ball Arena last Friday, September 6.

Dana White reacts to Demetrious Johnson's retirement: "Incredible career he had"
Fernando Quiles Jr. - September 8, 2024
UFC CEO Dana White has given his take on legendary MMA fighter Demetrious Johnson announcing his retirement. During the ONE Championship 168 event, Johnson announced that he is walking away from pro MMA competition. “Mighty Mouse” leaves the sport having held UFC and ONE gold. He also snagged the record for the most successful consecutive UFC title defenses.

VIDEO | Demetrious Johnson announces his retirement at ONE 168
Curtis Calhoun - September 6, 2024
MMA legend Demetrious Johnson announced his retirement from the sport at ONE 168 on Friday in Denver. Johnson has been contemplating retirement since his trilogy win over Adriano Moraes in May 2023. He’s remained active in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu at various tournaments but hasn’t fought in MMA since the Moraes victory.

Belal Muhammad challenges Demetrious Johnson to a 'Pick off' ahead of UFC 306
Curtis Calhoun - September 4, 2024
UFC welterweight champion Belal Muhammad is doubling down on his harsh critiques of Demetrious Johnson’s MMA analysis and opinions. Muhammad captured the UFC welterweight title at UFC 304 over Leon Edwards by unanimous decision. Since his title victory, he’s remained vocal on social media and hasn’t let his detractors get off easy.

Demetrious Johnson explains why Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic doesn’t even need to be for a belt: “That’s a legend fight”
Harry Kettle - September 3, 2024
UFC legend Demetrious Johnson has explained why Jon Jones vs Stipe Miocic doesn’t even need to be for a championship. As we know, ‘Bones’ will defend his UFC heavyweight title later this year. He will likely go up against Stipe Miocic, even though the majority of fans and pundits believe it should be Tom Aspinall that he battles. Alas, it doesn’t seem like the promotion is going to budge on that.

Demetrious Johnson responds to Belal Muhammad's harsh criticism of his MMA analysis: "I haven't seen you fight that much!"
Curtis Calhoun - August 27, 2024
Former UFC champion Demetrious Johnson has issued a detailed response to some of Belal Muhammad’s harsh rhetoric towards his fighting analysis. Muhammad earned the UFC welterweight title by defeating Leon Edwards at UFC 304. He’s set to reel in a new era in the welterweight division and is expected to make his first title defense soon.

Demetrious Johnson, Adriano Moraes may renew rivalry in BJJ
BJPENN.COM Staff - August 15, 2024
Demetrious Johnson and Adriano Moraes — two of the biggest names in ONE Championship’s flyweight MMA division — are set to compete in the World Master IBJJF Jiu-Jitsu Championship 2024. Taking place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from August 29 to 31, the event will see the pair suit up in gi for the Master 2 featherweight category.

UFC champion Belal Muhammad takes aim at “so-called experts” Demetrious Johnson and Kamaru Usman: “They don’t know what they’re talking about”
Susan Cox - August 2, 2024
UFC champion Belal Muhammad is taking aim at ‘so-called experts’ Demetrious Johnson and Kamaru Usman. ‘Remember the Name’ (24-3 MMA) is riding high after defeating Leon Edwards (22-4 MMA) to win welterweight gold last weekend at UFC 304 which took place at the Co-Op Live Arena in Manchester, England.