Demetrious Johnson, widely regarded as one of the greatest flyweights in MMA history, announced his retirement, sparking reactions across the sport, including from UFC President Dana White. White’s admiration for Johnson was clear, stating,

“Good for him. Incredible career he had. I never had a problem with Demetrious Johnson. Absolutely [he’s a UFC Hall of Famer].”

White’s endorsement adds weight to Johnson’s potential induction into the UFC Hall of Fame, despite Johnson’s career concluding outside the UFC.

A Legacy in Two Promotions

Johnson began his UFC journey in 2011, quickly establishing himself as the first flyweight champion in the organization. Over the years, he set records for the most title defenses in UFC history with 11 consecutive defenses and amassed numerous accolades, including the most wins in flyweight title fights and the most submissions in UFC title fights. His tenure in the UFC ended in 2018 when he was traded to ONE Championship, where he continued his success by winning the ONE Flyweight Grand Prix and the flyweight title.

Despite the trade, Johnson’s achievements in ONE Championship cemented his legacy as a two-promotion Hall of Famer. His remarkable skills were on display even in his last fight against Adriano Moraes, where Johnson retained his title in a trilogy bout in 2023. White’s praise of Johnson goes beyond his performance in the octagon, as he often defended Johnson against criticism from fans who felt the fighter wasn’t marketed effectively by the UFC.

Johnson’s Struggles with UFC Promotion

Johnson’s relationship with the UFC was often marked by disputes, particularly around promotional efforts and pay-per-view points. Johnson felt that the UFC failed to market him and the flyweight division adequately, often sidelining him in favor of promoting other fighters and divisions. He openly criticized UFC’s approach, noting that while other divisions received significant marketing efforts, his record-setting achievements were not given the same attention.

In one contentious incident, Johnson was pressured by White to fight T.J. Dillashaw, a match he did not believe was in his best interest due to Dillashaw never having competed at flyweight. Johnson expressed frustration over being forced into this situation, arguing that the UFC’s priority was not aligned with his career goals but rather focused on pushing their own agenda.

Despite the ups and downs with the UFC, Johnson’s skill and sportsmanship have never been in question. With endorsements from key figures like White, Johnson’s induction into the UFC Hall of Fame seems not only probable but inevitable.

For more information on Dana White’s comments and Demetrious Johnson’s career, visit MMAnytt.se

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