Mon Sep 09 15:06:35 UTC 2024: ## Former UFC Champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson Retires, Dana White Calls for Hall of Fame Induction

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson, who retired from MMA in August at the age of 38, has been lauded by UFC CEO Dana White, who believes he is worthy of a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.

Johnson, holding a record of 25-4-1, boasts a dozen flyweight records in UFC and ranks third all time in championship wins, trailing only current heavyweight champion Jon Jones and former welterweight titleholder Georges St-Pierre.

Despite his impressive resume, Johnson struggled to attract pay-per-view buys during his time in the UFC. White, defending Johnson from fan criticism, attributes this to the fanbase’s preference for more “violent” fights.

In 2018, Johnson was traded to ONE Championship in a blockbuster deal for welterweight Ben Askren. “Mighty Mouse” went on to compile a successful record of 5-1 in ONE Championship, including a championship title. However, Askren’s brief stint in the UFC ended in a 1-2 record, including a knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, leading him to retire and pursue a lucrative boxing match with Jake Paul.

White’s strong support for Johnson’s Hall of Fame candidacy further solidifies the former champion’s legacy as one of the greatest flyweight fighters of all time. The trade with ONE Championship, while appearing advantageous for the Asian promotion, highlights the UFC’s struggle to retain its top talent in a competitive MMA landscape.

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