“Probably June or July [2025], we’ll make a comeback. Coming back for two more [fights], just two more,” confirmed UFC Hall of Famer Donald Cerrone last year as he planned his return from a temporary layoff to reach the milestone of 50 fights under the Zuffa promotion (including his time in the WEC, before joining the UFC). This brings up the ongoing debate: when is the right time for an MMA fighter to retire? Even legendary figures like Henry Cejudo have shown uncertainty about retirement, often coming back to the sport after seemingly walking away, reflecting the difficulty of answering that very question.

In contrast, flyweight GOAT Demetrious Johnson had no hesitation about his decision to retire. Last year, during a ONE Championship event in Denver, ‘DJ’ announced he was stepping away after 16 years in the fight game. The decision was emotional, as he tearfully thanked everyone who supported him throughout his illustrious career. ‘Mighty Mouse’ decision wasn’t made in isolation. Before going public with it, he discussed retirement with close friends and MMA legends like Georges St-Pierre and Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Despite his retirement being months ago, Demetrious Johnson has had no second thoughts about returning. In a recent conversation with MMA Junkie, he reflected on the advice given to him by GSP and ‘The Eagle’. He shared, “When I talked to GSP before I retired, GSP goes, ‘If you’re worried about money, there’s thousands of ways to make money Demetrious.’ Same thing Khabib said, ‘What am I fighting for? Money? I can make plenty of money.’ So there comes a point in time where enough’s enough. Even sometimes when I watch some fighters fight, I’m like, ‘What are you fighting for? You’ve made enough money—do something else.'”

After an extraordinary 16-year MMA career, with 11 title defenses in the UFC, Demetrious Johnson solidified his legacy in the sport. In 2018, however, the UFC made the surprising decision to trade Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. This move turned out to be a boon for the Singapore-based promotion, where Johnson, much like his UFC days, made a significant impact on the Asian circuit. One of his most memorable moments came in a mixed rules fight in Singapore against Muay Thai legend Rodtang Jitmuangnon, where Johnson outstruck Rodtang at his own game.

Although Demetrious Johnson retired in late 2024, following his trilogy with Adriano Moraes, he hasn’t been idle. He has focused on his podcast and gaming streams, dedicating time to growing his YouTube channel and gaming career. Additionally, ‘Mighty Mouse’ has occasionally showcased his skills in Gi jiu-jitsu tournaments and even expressed his interest in a boxing match against a boxing legend.

Demetrious Johnson expressed his interest in a potential boxing match against Manny Pacquiao

After growing weary of MMA, Demetrious Johnson hasn’t completely closed the door on returning to combat sports, particularly boxing. Boxing presents a guaranteed million-dollar payday, similar to the opportunities that Francis Ngannou is currently exploring, or what Conor McGregor secured when he faced Floyd Mayweather in 2017. The Irishman reportedly earned a $100 million purse for that fight, a figure Johnson had hoped to achieve for himself.

While his career has already seen him face icons like Conor McGregor and Jon Jones, and despite making money through his podcast, gaming streams, and other ventures, Demetrious Johnson remains interested in a potential boxing match—one with none other than boxing’s greatest of all time, Manny Pacquiao.

In an interview with UFC lightweight contender Renato Moicano last year, ‘Mighty Mouse’ revealed his interest in boxing and said, “I’m getting ready for my next jiu-jitsu competition. So when my body is ready for a hard training camp, I’d love to box. And it would have to be the right opponent. If it was Manny Pacquiao, f**k it, I’m doing it. I don’t want to box another MMA guy. I wouldn’t mind, but I want to box a legend of the sport.”

What’s your opinion on Demetrious Johnson’s decision to retire? Do you think DJ made the right call taking advice from Khabib Nurmagomedov and Georges St-Pierre? If Johnson were to step into the boxing ring, who would you like to see him face? Share your thoughts below.