Demetrious Johnson’s retirement opens up a clear pathway to the throne of ONE Championship’s flyweight MMA division.
“Mighty Mouse” officially called it quits at last weekend’s ONE 168, making the announcement in front of a jampacked crowd at the 21,000-capacity Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado.
Along with his decision to hang up the gloves for good, he had relinquished his possession of the ONE Flyweight MMA World Championship.
Johnson got hold of the belt after knocking out then-champion Adriano Moraes in an August 2022 rematch.
The American superstar successfully defended it once, dominating Moraes in the rubber match nine months later.
Since closing the book on the grueling rivalry with his Brazilian arch-nemesis, the 38-year-old had been under a cloud of doubt, unsure whether he would continue his career.
In Denver, Johnson finally decided that he was permanently stepping away.
As he begins a new chapter in his life outside the sport, Johnson is pleased that company head honcho Chatri Sityodtong and his team of matchmakers can now outline long-term plans for the weight class.
(C) ONEFC.com
“I’m happy that now the flyweight division can move on. Chatri and the matchmakers can start putting together next, you know, a flyweight championship,” he said during the post-ONE 168 press conference.
In fact, Johnson suggests that a fitting bout for the available strap would be the rematch between Moraes and Danny Kingad, scheduled for ONE 169 on November 9 (Philippine time).
“Adriano, and I think it’s Danny Kingad, are fighting next. So they can move on,” he stated.
While no official confirmation has been made regarding 26 pounds of gold being at stake for that matchup, it seems ideal to crown the next divisional king at the promotion’s next U.S. event — set to take place at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.
Moraes is currently rated as the No. 1 contender, while Kingad occupies the No. 3 seat in the rankings.
It’s worth mentioning that the two previously faced off for the same title in November 2017, with Moraes securing a first-round submission victory.
Four World Title clashes are already booked for ONE 169 at the moment, and the organization may consider adding one more to up the ante.
