What defines a MMA ‘GOAT’? Consecutive title defenses? Undefeated streaks? Or winning titles in not just one but two major MMA promotions? Demetrious Johnson ticks all of the boxes! ‘Mighty Mouse’ was the inaugural UFC flyweight champion and ruled over the division from 2012 to 2018 when he finally lost the belt to Henry Cejudo, in a split decision that is still debated by the fans.

In 2018, he was part of a trade that saw him move to ONE Championship and Ben Askren to the UFC. But recently, the MMA sphere was sent reeling when an emotional Johnson bid farewell to the sport of mixed martial arts. The tributes came pouring in from some of the biggest names in the sport, but one message stood out—his wife, Destiny Johnson, shared a heartfelt post on social media, celebrating ‘Mighty Mouse’ as he hung up his gloves.

Demetrious Johnson’s wife pens a heartfelt message for ‘next chapter’ in his journey  

At the ONE 168 event held in Denver, Colorado, Demetrious Johnson took the microphone to announce the end of his time in MMA. A visibly emotional Johnson addressed the crowd and stated, “Like I said last time when I came to Denver, Colo., I told you guys it was potentially my last fight, and I was not lying. I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts…”

Johnson holds the record for the most consecutive title defenses in the UFC with 11 to his name and is tied with Jon ‘Bones’ Jones for the most successful title defenses in the promotion. Impressive, right? Well, he wasn’t done with just that. When he made the move to the ONE Championship, Johnson demonstrated his elite skills and won the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix as well!

With an undeniable MMA record and achievements that stand in a class of their own, his wife Destiny Johnson has been by his side throughout his journey. In a recent post on Instagram, she shared a message of support for ‘Mighty Mouse’ by stating, “My soulmate. My legend. My ride or die. My best friend. It ain’t over baby we’re just hopping on a new train. Choo choo Luh you so much”

Johnson may have stepped away from the sport of mixed martial arts, but he has been actively competing in grappling tournaments recently which he shares on his YouTube channel. And according to the interim ONE Strawweight World Champion, he’s still hoping to cross paths with ‘Mighty Mouse’ one day!

‘Mighty Mouse’ already has a challenger lined up for a grappling match

Demetrious Johnson may have stepped away from MMA but his love for grappling has only grown. ‘Mighty Mouse’ recently took part in the IBJJF World Masters Championship as a black belt, having previously won the event as a brown belt. As such, Jarred Brooks believes that there is still a chance he gets the showdown against Johnson that he was always interested in.

In a post shared on his Instagram account, ‘The Monkey God’ wished a “happy retirement to the greatest mixed martial artist of all time” and highlighted the fact that Johnson was an inspiration for fighters like Brooks to pursue their own journey in MMA. Brooks further went on to state, “I am heartbroken I don’t get a chance to go at it with him and share the circle. But hopefully, we can grapple at some point in @onechampionship!”

As Demetrious Johnson moves forward, his legacy in MMA is cemented—11 consecutive UFC title defenses and victories in multiple promotions speak for themselves. But with his wife’s heartfelt words reminding us that this is just a new chapter, you have to wonder: what’s next for the legend? A dominant run in the grappling world just like his time in MMA? Only time will tell. For now, the MMA world bids farewell to one of the greatest mixed martial artists to ever lace up a pair of gloves!