Demetrious
Johnson has no regrets about walking away from mixed martial
arts.
Unlike many fighters who continue competing well past their prime,
the former
Ultimate Fighting Championship and One
Championship titleholder retired on his own terms after
defending his One title in 2023. „Mighty Mouse“ recently claimed
that the transition has been easier because he never allowed fame
to define him.
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Demetrious Johnson discusses UFC Hall of Fame induction and MMA
retirement
Johnson (25-4-1) is content with his career and retirement.
Speaking on the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet, the new inductee
revealed that having humility and staying humble served him well in
the long run.
“I think for me, probably because my whole career, I’ve stayed
humble and had humility. You know, I never let the lights get to
me.”
Johnson then recalled winning the UFC flyweight title at UFC
152 before quickly returning to everyday life.
“After I’ll have a big amazing fight — I’ll never forget after I
won at UFC 152, became a champion, I was on the couch. I was doing
an interview; I think it was AXS TV HD Fight Net with Kenny
Florian and Bas Rutten,” he
said. “They were like, ‘What are you doing with all the money?’ I
was like, ‘I put it in the bank. I got to mow the lawn. I’ll chat
with you guys later,’” he said.
Johnson captured the inaugural UFC flyweight title in 2012 before
setting a promotional record with 11 consecutive title defenses. He
then emerged as one of the biggest stars in One Championship before
retiring. Now a member of the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing,
Johnson doesn’t see any fight worth pursuing and wants to challenge
his mind instead.
“For me, I was like, I felt like I’ve done everything. I don’t know
what else is left to do,” he added. “Let me go challenge myself
with my intellect, and see if I can provide for my family in that
way.”