What's Next For Demetrious Johnson Following Retirement From MMA?

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ONE 168: Denver was a night of action, with seven finishes from nine fights lighting up Denver, Colorado's Ball Arena. But it was an emotional moment in between scraps that stole the headlines.

MMA legend Demetrious "Mighty Mouse" Johnson made an appearance at the September 7 blockbuster to announce that he was calling time on his illustrious career that saw him take home 12 UFC titles and retire on top as the ONE Flyweight MMA World Champion.

During the emotional address mid-Circle, the American superstar thanked his family, training partners, and ONE Championship, before he dropped a that bomb left the mixed martial arts world instantly speechless.

"I sound like a damn mouse," Johnson quipped as he fought back tears. "Like I said last time when I came here to Denver, Colorado, I told you guys that was potentially my last flight, and I was not lying, I am done. I am done competing in mixed martial arts. I want to say thank you guys so much for giving me the opportunity. I appreciate you guys."

Following the announcement, ONE Chairman and CEO Chatri Sityodtong joined Johnson and ONE Commentator Mitch Chilson to induct the 38-year-old into the ONE Hall of Fame as its inaugural member.

"DJ, you're the greatest martial artist in history for me. You know, from one lifelong martial artist to another, I have so much respect. You travelled the entire world, fought on the two biggest organizations in the world, and conquered both. There is no other mountain for you to conquer," Sityodtong said.

"Give it up for DJ. He is not only the greatest mixed martial arts of all time, but also the first inductee to the Hall of Fame in ONE Championship."

What's Next for Demetrious Johnson following retirement from MMA?

As for what's next, Johnson was clear that he had a new passion in his life - Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu. The now-former flyweight king has added more silverware to his collection of late, while competing in numerous BJJ competitions across the United States.

As such, he refused to rule out a return to ONE under submission grappling rules, although ONE's submission-only rule set does involve athletes competing in no-gi competition, which could prove a stumbling block in the near future.

"I've fallen in love with jiu-jitsu. I absolutely love it. It's all I think about, it's all I watch. It's kind of like my new passion, just like with mixed martial arts. When I saw sugar Rashad Evans working out and I was home from college, I was like, 'You know what? I think I'll do that too,' and that's where it brought me to," he said.

"So now that I'm done competing mixed martial arts. Maybe one day you guys will see me in here grappling doing a grappling match, but right now I'm a gi boy. So, I'm going to pursue my passion, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the gi."