Last Friday, September 6, live in U.S. primetime at ONE 168: Denver, MMA GOAT and reigning ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson announced an end to his incredible MMA career.

That emotional retirement speech took place in front of a packed house at Ball Arena.

At 38 years old and with more than 15 years of elite MMA experience, the decorated American had nothing left to accomplish in the sport, having firmly cemented himself as an all-time pound-for-pound great.

After his official retirement, Johnson opened up about his decision to walk away from competition.

‘Mighty Mouse’ reveals the motive behind emotional decision

He says that he gave retirement plenty of thought, even forcing himself to sit on the sidelines to determine if he was actually ready to take off the 4-ounce gloves for good.

“Mighty Mouse” explained: “I knew I was going to retire after I fought Adriano the third time after I did the press conference. I had my kids. I was walking, and I was like, ‘Damn, is this what my life is right here? Is this it?’ 

“And I was like, ‘I’m gonna take a year off, keep on training, and see if I miss it.’ Because I didn’t want to be the athlete who just retires and I’m back home and I’m training, and I’m like, ‘Oh man, I wish I could unretire. I wanna come back and fight.’ And then come back out of retirement and fight again. 

“So, my New Year’s resolution this year was that I was gonna force myself not to fight. I need to start using my brain, my intellect, my charisma, my creativity to start making money and building my brand.”

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With over a year passing since his successful World Title defense against Adriano “Mikinho” Moraes, Johnson felt comfortable with his decision to retire.

A proud family man, he now looks forward to spending even more time with his wife and children.

“I was sitting at home, and I was like, ‘I don’t miss it.’ It’s a young man’s game. I’m 38 years old. I’m spending time with my kids and my wife, and I just knew that this was the right time to do it.”