One Championship’s founder, Chatri Sityodtong, has given an update on the current status of flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson. After securing a decision victory over Adriano Moraes to defend his flyweight title in May, Johnson hinted that it might be the end of his fighting career.
With an extensive list of accomplishments, including winning titles in both the UFC and ONE Championship, the 37-year-old fighter seems to have achieved much in his career, leaving little left for him to pursue.
According to Sityodtong, efforts are being made to arrange another mixed-rules fight for Demetrious Johnson, potentially against Mikey Musumeci, the flyweight grappling world champion.
Despite these attempts, it remains uncertain whether the flyweight champion will step into the ring again.
“We have been trying to get DJ a mixed-rules fight between DJ and Mikey Musumeci, the flyweight grappling world champion. I think that would be a spectacular fight, as well. I think DJ is kind of more in cruise control after having won his last title fight, and when he is ready, he will let us know when he wants to fight,” Sityodtong explained to BJPENN.com about Demetrious Johnson.
While Johnson expresses a lack of burning desire to continue fighting, he hasn’t officially retired, leading Sityodtong to believe that he may have a few more fights left in him to solidify his legendary status as the Greatest of All Time (GOAT).
Sityodtong emphasized Johnson’s unique achievements as the only individual in martial arts history to win belts in both UFC and ONE Championship, showcasing his well-rounded skillset in striking, clinch game, wrestling, transitions, submission grappling, and cardio.
Despite the desire of Chatri Sityodtong and ONE Championship for Demetrious Johnson’s return, the uncertainty surrounding his future leaves fans wondering if he will ultimately be remembered as one of the greatest fighters of all time, with a professional record of 25-4-1 and notable victories over Joseph Benavidez, Henry Cejudo, Kyoji Horiguchi, John Dodson, and Ian McCall, among others.
