Outside Source
Unlike many fighters who continue competing well past their prime, the former Ultimate Fighting Championship and One Championship titleholder retired on his own terms after defending his One title in 2023. “Mighty Mouse” recently claimed that the transition has been easier because he never allowed fame to define him.
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Demetrious Johnson discusses UFC Hall of Fame induction and MMA retirement
Johnson (25-4-1) is content with his career and retirement. Speaking on the UFC Hall of Fame red carpet, the new inductee revealed that having humility and staying humble served him well in the long run.
“I think for me, probably because my whole career, I’ve stayed humble and had humility. You know, I never let the lights get to me.”
Johnson then recalled winning the UFC flyweight title at UFC 152 before quickly returning to everyday life.
“After I’ll have a big amazing fight — I’ll never forget after I won at UFC 152, became a champion, I was on the couch. I was doing an interview; I think it was AXS TV HD Fight Net with Kenny Florian and Bas Rutten,” he said. “They were like, ‘What are you doing with all the money?’ I was like, ‘I put it in the bank. I got to mow the lawn. I’ll chat with you guys later,’” he said.
Johnson captured the inaugural UFC flyweight title in 2012 before setting a promotional record with 11 consecutive title defenses. He then emerged as one of the biggest stars in One Championship before retiring. Now a member of the UFC Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing, Johnson doesn’t see any fight worth pursuing and wants to challenge his mind instead.
“For me, I was like, I felt like I’ve done everything. I don’t know what else is left to do,” he added. “Let me go challenge myself with my intellect, and see if I can provide for my family in that way.”
This article first appeared at Recent News on Sherdog.com
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