In the world of mixed martial arts, there are few stories as puzzling and controversial as that of Demetrius “Mighty Mouse” Johnson. Widely considered one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Johnson’s departure from the UFC wasn’t due to a lack of skill or desire. Instead, it was the result of a behind-the-scenes decision that many still struggle to comprehend: a fighter who was fired for no apparent reason.

Demetrius Johnson made history by becoming the first UFC Flyweight Champion, and his reign was nothing short of dominant. He defended his title an incredible 11 times, a record that still stands today. Johnson’s technical prowess, flawless fight IQ, and consistency inside the Octagon made him a beloved figure to fans who saw him as the gold standard in MMA. Yet despite his unparalleled success, Johnson was often criticized by UFC President Dana White for being “boring” and lacking the star power needed to promote the flyweight division.

During Johnson’s reign, the UFC faced increasing pressure to elevate the flyweight division. The UFC, always driven by the business side of the sport, needed their champions to become more than just great fighters—they needed stars who could sell pay-per-views. Demetrius Johnson, despite his historic accomplishments, never became the marketing phenomenon the UFC had hoped for. He was never a Conor McGregor or Ronda Rousey.

This led to a series of tensions between Johnson and the UFC. Dana White, known for his sometimes volatile relationships with fighters, never seemed to fully appreciate Johnson’s contributions to the sport. Despite being the most successful flyweight champion in UFC history, Johnson felt sidelined by the company. His frustration with the UFC’s lack of promotion and their refusal to grant him a super-fight against bigger names like TJ Dillashaw boiled over.

The tipping point came in 2018, when Johnson lost his flyweight title to Henry Cejudo in a split decision at UFC 227. While the fight was incredibly close and contentious, it wasn’t just the loss that marked the end of Johnson’s UFC career. It was what happened afterward that shocked fans: UFC President Dana White announced that the UFC would be phasing out the 125-pound flyweight division.

According to Johnson, White personally told him that the flyweight division was being closed down and that Johnson would not get the fights he wanted. To make matters worse, there were talks about Johnson being traded to Asia’s ONE Championship in exchange for the return of Ben Askren, a controversial fighter who had been publicly critical of White and the UFC. Johnson, a model athlete, had done nothing wrong—he had simply become a victim of UFC politics.

It was a move that baffled many in the MMA community. Why would the UFC fire the greatest flyweight champion the sport had ever seen? Why would they push him out of the organization when he had been so successful? The answer lies in the business side of the sport—Johnson simply wasn’t a big enough draw, in the UFC’s eyes, to justify his continued reign as champion.

Although Johnson wasn’t given the sendoff he deserved in the UFC, his career was far from over. Shortly after his departure, Johnson signed with ONE Championship, where he would continue to display his incredible skill. In ONE, he thrived and regained his championship form, even winning the Flyweight Grand Prix and taking part in historic hybrid bouts against fighters from different disciplines like Muay Thai.

Even though he faced setbacks, such as suffering his first knockout loss in ONE Championship, Johnson proved that his legacy wasn’t limited to the UFC. He became a star in Asia, showcasing his greatness on the global stage. In 2023, Johnson decided to retire after a stellar career that saw him win world titles in multiple promotions.

Dana White’s comments about Johnson post-retirement were notably contradictory. White stated that he had always defended Johnson against critics, but this sentiment rang hollow to many who saw the UFC’s treatment of Johnson as unfair. While the UFC may have dismissed him, Johnson proved that true greatness cannot be erased by a single promotion or a single decision.

Demetrius Johnson’s departure from the UFC remains one of the sport’s greatest injustices. He was fired for no reason other than not being the kind of marketable star the UFC wanted. Yet despite being pushed aside by the promotion, Johnson continued to perform at the highest level and solidified his place as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time. The UFC may have let him go, but the world would come to know Demetrius “Mighty Mouse” Johnson as a fighter who defined what it meant to be great, regardless of the promotion.

In the end, Johnson proved that being the best fighter isn’t just about records or titles—it’s about character, perseverance, and fighting for what you believe in, no matter the odds. His story remains a powerful reminder that even in a sport ruled by business and marketability, true greatness will always stand the test of time.