Pro fighters react after MMA legend Demetrious Johnson announces his retirement

Several pro fighters took to social media to congratulate MMA legend Demetrious Johnson on his retirement from combat sports.

Johnson (25-4-1 MMA) announced his retirement during the main card of Friday night’s ONE 168 event in Denver, Colorado.

‘Mighty Mouse’ laid down his ONE flyweight title belt in the center of the cage in front of the crowd and revealed that he was walking away from MMA. He was also inducted into the ONE Hall of Fame by CEO Chatri Sityodtong.

“Like I said last time, when I came here to Denver, Colorado, I told you guys that was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying,” Johnson said. “I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts, and I want to say thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity.”

Demetrious Johnson had of course last competed in MMA at ONE Fight Night 10 in Denver in May of 2023, where he scored a unanimous decision victory over Adriano Moraes in their trilogy fight.

The 38-year-old will be remembered as a warrior poet inside of the cage. In addition to his staggering list of accolades, which includes eleven defenses of the UFC flyweight title, ‘Mighty Mouse’ was simply a joy to watch inside of the Octagon.

He is undoubtedly one of the greatest fighters of all time and put forth some of the greatest finishes in MMA history, particularly his armbar submission victory over Ray Borg at UFC 216 (see that here).

Immediately following his retirement announcement, several pro fighters took to social media to congratulate Demetrious Johnson on his amazing career:

One of the greatest to ever do it! I have learned and still learn so much from @MightyMouse ! Congrats on a phenomenal career my friend! #legend

— Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) September 7, 2024

Congrats on an incredible career @MightyMouse. Not only one of the GOATS of MMA. But also one of the best fight IQ’s we’ve been fortunate enough to see. Enjoy this new chapter.

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) September 7, 2024

Big shoutout to @MightyMouse on a legendary career. Truly one of the best to ever do it! Happy trails king 👑 🤙🏽

— bjpenndotcom (@bjpenndotcom) September 7, 2024

お疲れ様でしたー！！
同じ時代のチャンプがまた一人寂しくなるねぇ😭 pic.twitter.com/41RdNV0y43

— Takeya Mizugaki (@takeya_miz) September 7, 2024

Legend! @MightyMouse incredible career. Enjoy retirement brother. https://t.co/tdH5ula1yZ

— michael (@bisping) September 7, 2024

Thank you, “Mighty Mouse” 🙏 Congrats to Demetrious Johnson on a legendary MMA career!

Tune in to Prime Video and Sky Sports NOW to catch the rest of ONE 168: Denver!#ONE168 | 🔴 LIVE NOW
📺 How to watch 👉 https://t.co/NOuJb13LII
🇺🇸🇨🇦 Watch Live on Prime 👉… pic.twitter.com/GSR0zPokFt

— ONE Championship (@ONEChampionship) September 7, 2024

Congrats @MightyMouse 👏👏👏

— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) September 7, 2024

What a legend Mighty Mouse 🫡

— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) September 7, 2024

MMA Journalist Aaron Bronsteter shared a list of Johnson’s career accomplishments which can be seen below:

UFC flyweight records held by Demetrious Johnson:

-Most wins (13)
-Most finishes (7)
-Most submission wins (5)
-Win Streak (13)
-Title Fight Wins (12)
-Fight Night Bonuses (9)
-Average Fight Tims (18:37)
-Total Fight Time (4:39:12)
-Control Time (1:26:54)
-Top Position Time…

— Aaron Bronsteter (@aaronbronsteter) September 7, 2024

Demetrious Johnson would later take to ‘X’ to thank all of his fans and peers for their kind words:

Well that was emotional ❤️ thank you everyone!!!

— Demetrious Johnson (@MightyMouse) September 7, 2024

What was your favorite ‘Mighty Mouse’ moment?