Why Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson Left the UFC

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson is widely considered one of the greatest mixed martial artists (MMA) of all time. Known for his dominance in the UFC’s Flyweight division, Johnson held the record for the longest title defense streak in UFC history, successfully defending his belt 11 times. Despite his accomplishments, Johnson made the bold decision to leave the UFC and sign with One Championship in 2018. The decision sent shockwaves through the MMA world, as it was unexpected for such a legendary fighter to leave the promotion that had made him a star.

 

If Demetrious Johnson returned to the UFC and took on Aljamain Sterling who  do you got taking home the 135lb. belt? : r/ufc

 

So, what led to Johnson’s decision to leave the UFC? The reasons behind his departure are multifaceted, and they reflect his desire for new challenges, better financial opportunities, and a more fulfilling career path.

 

 Lack of Challenges and Fights That Interested Him

One of the key factors that led to Johnson’s departure from the UFC was his sense of stagnation in the Flyweight division. After successfully defending his title 11 times, Johnson had defeated nearly every contender in the division, and many of the available matchups felt repetitive. While he was dominating his opponents, he expressed frustration that there were no fresh, exciting challenges left for him in the UFC.

 

Demetrious Johnson umumkan pensiun dari seni bela diri campuran - ANTARA  News

 

“I feel like I’ve done everything in this weight class that I can do, and there’s not much else to accomplish here,” Johnson explained in interviews leading up to his departure. Johnson had beaten almost all of the top contenders in the UFC, and while new talent was emerging, none seemed to excite him in the same way as his previous opponents had. This sense of a lack of new challenges made him question whether staying in the UFC was the right decision for his career.

 

Desire for a New Adventure with One Championship

At the time of Johnson’s departure, One Championship, a leading MMA promotion in Asia, was gaining international attention. The promotion was offering a unique and diverse mix of disciplines, including MMA, Muay Thai, kickboxing, and even grappling competitions. Johnson saw this as an opportunity to expand his horizons and test himself in new environments, both within and outside of MMA.

 

Is Demetrious Johnson retired? The MMA legend gives update on status of  fighting career - Yahoo Sports

 

One of the key factors that appealed to Johnson about One Championship was their commitment to showcasing fighters in multiple combat sports. Johnson was not only an MMA fighter but also a seasoned grappler and athlete with a deep appreciation for various forms of combat. The prospect of competing in a wider variety of disciplines within a single promotion was an exciting new challenge for him.

 

“I wanted to go somewhere where I felt like I was going to be part of something new, something exciting,” Johnson said. The opportunity to fight in a promotion that offered new experiences and a fresh approach to combat sports was a major driving force in his decision to leave the UFC.

 

Demetrious Johnson hopes to 'box a legend,' not a fellow MMA fighter

 

 Financial Considerations and the Trade with Ben Askren

Another key factor that influenced Johnson’s move to One Championship was the financial package offered to him. In 2018, UFC President Dana White and One Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong discussed a trade deal that would send Johnson to One Championship in exchange for Ben Askren, a former Bellator and ONE Championship welterweight champion. This deal allowed Johnson to secure a more lucrative contract and opened the door for new opportunities outside of the UFC.

 

While Johnson had enjoyed a successful and highly rewarding career in the UFC, he was seeking more financial security for his future and his family. He had already made history in the UFC, and the chance to make more money while pursuing exciting new opportunities with One Championship was too appealing to pass up. Johnson later acknowledged that the deal was a win-win situation, as both fighters were able to explore fresh challenges with new promotions.

 

AND STILL 🏆🔥 Demetrious Johnson Wins the Trilogy Against Adriano Moraes -  YouTube

 

 Frustrations with the UFC’s Management of the Flyweight Division

Another underlying reason for Johnson’s decision was his dissatisfaction with the UFC’s handling of the Flyweight division. For years, Johnson had been one of the UFC’s most dominant champions, yet the Flyweight division was often overlooked and undervalued. The UFC was slow to promote the division, and Johnson’s dominance made it difficult for the UFC to generate the same level of attention or interest in his fights as they did for fighters in other weight classes.

 

The UFC’s focus on higher-profile weight classes, like the lightweight and welterweight divisions, left Johnson feeling that the Flyweight division didn’t get the attention it deserved. This lack of promotion and respect for the smaller weight classes became increasingly frustrating for Johnson, who wanted to fight on the biggest stages possible and have the respect his achievements warranted.

 

Demetrious Johnson Seizes Flyweight Crown in ONE on Prime Video 1 Headliner

 

“I was doing everything I could to build up the division and keep it alive, but it felt like the UFC wasn’t fully behind us. That’s a big reason why I made the move to One Championship,” Johnson explained. In One Championship, Johnson felt his talents would be given the respect and platform they deserved.

 

 Seeking a Better Work-Life Balance

Another crucial factor in Johnson’s departure was the opportunity for a better work-life balance. While the UFC’s schedule can be grueling, with frequent travel, media obligations, and intense fight preparation, One Championship offered Johnson a more manageable schedule and a greater ability to spend time with his family. Johnson, who had a young daughter at the time, wanted to prioritize his family life while still pursuing his career in fighting. One Championship’s approach to scheduling and its more flexible contract options allowed Johnson to achieve a better balance between work and family life.

 

AND STILL 🏆🔥 Demetrious Johnson Wins the Trilogy Against Adriano Moraes -  YouTube

 

“I wanted a promotion that would respect my time, my family, and my personal life. One Championship gave me the ability to take care of all that while still pursuing my career in MMA,” Johnson said.

 

Conclusion

Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson’s decision to leave the UFC and join One Championship was driven by a combination of factors, including the lack of fresh challenges in the UFC’s Flyweight division, the allure of new opportunities in One Championship, financial considerations, frustrations with the UFC’s management of the Flyweight division, and a desire for a better work-life balance.

 

狄米崔斯·约翰逊降服罗唐,赢得特殊规则超级战 - ONE Championship – The Home Of Martial Arts

 

While his departure from the UFC shocked many fans, it was ultimately a decision that allowed Johnson to continue to push his boundaries and explore new aspects of his fighting career. His move to One Championship not only opened new doors for him but also brought attention to the growing influence of international promotions and the increasing diversity of opportunities for top-tier fighters worldwide.

 

Johnson’s journey reminds us that even the greatest fighters need to evolve, seek new challenges, and sometimes take risks in order to grow both personally and professionally.

 

 

This version of the article has been restructured and streamlined for clarity and engagement while maintaining key insights into why Demetrious Johnson left the UFC.

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