Demetrious Johnson has zero regrets about retiring

The UFC Hall of Famer explains why leaving MMA was easy and why staying humble mattered more than fame throughout his legendary career.

Demetrious Johnson is probably one of the few who doesn’t regret retiring from MMA. Unlike many others who remain active long after their prime, the former UFC and ONE champion ended his career at the right time to avoid becoming completely dependent on the sport. After successfully defending his ONE title in 2023, he retired. Demetrious Johnson recently explained that the transition to life after sports came easily to him because he never let his fame become part of his identity. Although he’s definitely in the UFC Hall of Fame, he remains down-to-earth, and always has been.

“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”

he said.

Even after his major victories, he never tried to put himself above others. After all his successes, he also always tried to return to his normal daily life. After becoming champion at UFC 152, he gave an interview with AXS TV HD Fight Net and said that he had first deposited all his money in the bank and then mowed his lawn.

These may be small details, but it’s exactly things like this that keep you grounded.

Following his UFC 152 victory, Demetrious Johnson went on to set a UFC record in his weight class with 11 consecutive title defenses, which is very impressive.

Today, Demetrious Johnson is part of the UFC’s “Modern Wing” and doesn’t see any fight that would appeal to him in any way. Instead, he wants to continue his mental development. His words on the matter were:

“For me, I was like, I felt like I've done everything. I don't know what else is left to do, let me go challenge myself with my intellect, and see if I can provide for my family in that way.”

I think Demetrious Johnson is a great role model for everyone, especially for other fighters. You should never set yourself apart from others in any way, and that’s exactly what he’s proven. He also ended his career at the perfect time so as not to ruin his legacy. Can you think of a fighter who should have taken him as a role model?