Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, recently opened up about his decision to leave the UFC and join ONE Championship, calling it the best career move he ever made. In a candid interview with MMA Fighting, Johnson reflected on his career, his experiences in the UFC, and how his time with ONE Championship has shaped his legacy.
The monumental switch took place in 2018, when Johnson was traded from the UFC to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. At the time, this was a groundbreaking move in MMA, marking the first-ever trade between the two major organizations. Johnson had been the face of the UFC’s flyweight division for nearly a decade, holding the title from 2012 to 2018 with 11 consecutive title defenses. However, after a controversial loss to Henry Cejudo in 2018, Johnson’s time in the UFC came to an end, and he was traded to ONE Championship.
Looking back, Johnson sees that trade as the turning point in his career. "Joining ONE Championship was the best decision I ever made. It was the best career move for me," Johnson said. "ONE Championship is the best thing that has ever happened to me. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to join this organization and for all they’ve done for me."
He emphasized that ONE Championship’s values aligned perfectly with his own. "It was a time when ONE Championship was looking for great American talent, and it was the perfect opportunity for me," he explained. "It was a company that valued my morals, my skill set, and really took care of me as a fighter." This positive relationship with the organization was key to Johnson’s growth and continued success, both inside and outside the cage.
Johnson made his ONE debut in 2019, and his impact was immediately felt. In the years that followed, he went on to win the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix and the ONE Flyweight MMA World Title, further cementing his place as one of the sport’s all-time greats. These achievements, combined with his continued involvement in helping build the ONE brand, have left Johnson deeply appreciative of his time in the organization. "I’m still involved with ONE, helping them grow their brand and support the next generation of fighters," he said. "It’s been a fantastic experience, and I’m proud of everything we’ve accomplished together."
Johnson’s move to ONE Championship also marked a significant change in the landscape of MMA. While he had been a dominant figure in the UFC’s flyweight division for years, his decision to join ONE allowed him to explore new challenges and expand his reach on a global scale. In ONE Championship, Johnson has become more than just a fighter; he’s also taken on the role of mentor and brand ambassador, helping build the sport of MMA in Asia and beyond.
Reflecting on his time in the UFC, Johnson admitted that he was "gutted" by the financial side of his career. Despite being one of the most dominant champions in UFC history, Johnson was often criticized for not being compensated appropriately for his contributions to the promotion. He spoke openly about how the UFC paid him during his time in the promotion, particularly between 2011 and 2017, a period in which he fought 17 times, 12 of those being World Championship bouts. "That time frame from 2011 to 2017, I had 17 fights. I think 12 of them were World Championship fights and five of them weren’t," Johnson said. “It’s tough to reflect on that time and realize how little I was getting paid for the amount of work I put in.”
This sentiment has been echoed by several other fighters, especially in light of recent revelations about UFC fighter pay, with a Nevada judge approving documents in UFC antitrust lawsuits that detail the promotion’s total revenue and the fighters’ share of that revenue. Despite his dominance in the octagon, Johnson was often left feeling underpaid and undervalued by the UFC, a sentiment he’s been more open about in recent years.
Nevertheless, Johnson’s legacy in the sport remains untarnished. His transition to ONE Championship allowed him to continue competing at the highest level while feeling appreciated and valued, both as a fighter and a person. As Johnson looks back on his career, he’s thankful for the opportunities he had in the UFC but believes his time with ONE Championship has been far more rewarding. "I love what I’ve been able to accomplish in ONE Championship," he said. "It’s the best decision I’ve ever made, and I’m incredibly grateful for everything that’s come from it."
As Johnson’s career in ONE Championship winds down, his influence on the sport is undeniable. Whether through his in-cage achievements or his off-cage efforts to help grow MMA globally, Johnson’s move to ONE Championship stands as one of the best career decisions made by a fighter in modern MMA history.
