Las Vegas — The Final Preventing Championship has introduced that former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson might be inducted into the Trendy Wing of the UFC Corridor of Fame as a part of the Class of 2026. The induction ceremony will happen this summer time in the course of the promotion’s annual Worldwide Battle Week celebrations.
“Demetrious Johnson is the best flyweight of all-time,” mentioned Dana White, President and CEO of the UFC. “Demetrious was an ideal champion who had one of the crucial unimaginable careers in MMA, and his streak of 11 consecutive title defenses is likely one of the most outstanding information we’ve ever seen in skilled sports activities. Will probably be an honor to induct him into the UFC Corridor of Fame this summer time.”
Johnson turns into the 18th fighter inducted into the Trendy Wing, a class that honors athletes who turned skilled on or after November 17, 2000—the date of the primary UFC occasion held beneath the unified guidelines of combined martial arts.
A File-Breaking Profession
Over a 14-year skilled profession, Johnson compiled a outstanding 25-4-1 file (17-3-1 throughout the UFC and WEC). Extensively thought to be one of the crucial technically expert fighters in MMA historical past, he defeated quite a few elite opponents, together with:
Miguel Torres – former WEC bantamweight champion
Kyoji Horiguchi – former RIZIN flyweight champion
Henry Cejudo – former UFC flyweight and bantamweight champion
Yuya Wakamatsu – Pancrase flyweight match winner
Johnson first gained worldwide recognition after becoming a member of the World Excessive Cagefighting promotion in 2010. Regardless of dropping his debut to Brad Pickett, Johnson rapidly rebounded with a number of victories, finally incomes a title alternative towards then-bantamweight champion Dominick Cruz.
The 2 met in the principle occasion of UFC Dwell: Cruz vs Johnson in 2011, the place Cruz retained his title by way of unanimous determination.
Turning into the First UFC Flyweight Champion
Johnson’s defining second got here in 2012 in the course of the inaugural UFC flyweight match. After battling Ian McCall to a draw and defeating him in a rematch, Johnson superior to face Joseph Benavidez at UFC 152.
The bout served because the co-main occasion of UFC 152, the place Johnson secured a cut up determination victory, turning into the primary UFC flyweight champion in historical past.
Historic Championship Run
Johnson’s reign would go on to turn into one of the crucial dominant championship runs in fight sports activities historical past. Over the following 4 years, he efficiently defended his title 11 consecutive instances, breaking the file for many consecutive title defenses in UFC historical past on the time.
His championship run lastly ended on August 4, 2018, when Henry Cejudo defeated him by way of cut up determination at UFC 227.
Success Past the UFC
After departing the UFC, Johnson signed with ONE Championship, one among Asia’s premier MMA promotions. There, he continued his successful methods by capturing the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix and later turning into the ONE Flyweight World Champion, defending the belt as soon as earlier than retiring.
Johnson formally introduced his retirement on Might 5, 2023, vacating the title after his profitable protection.
Profession Achievements
Johnson enters the UFC Corridor of Fame with a unprecedented checklist of accomplishments:
Longest title reign in UFC flyweight historical past: 2,142 days
Longest win streak in UFC flyweight historical past: 13 fights
Most flyweight title battle wins: 12
Most high management time in UFC flyweight historical past: 1:05:52
Highest vital strike accuracy in UFC flyweight historical past: 57.2%
Highest vital strike protection in UFC flyweight historical past: 68.4%
Third-most vital strikes landed in UFC flyweight historical past: 1,059
All through his profession, Johnson additionally earned a number of prestigious awards, together with Fighter of the 12 months in 2013 from FOX Sports activities and once more in 2017 from ESPN and Sports activities Illustrated. He additionally obtained Submission of the 12 months honors in 2017 from the World MMA Awards, ESPN, and MMA Preventing.
Life Exterior the Cage
Born in Parkland, Washington, Johnson excelled as a highschool wrestler at Washington Excessive Faculty, putting second and third within the state throughout his junior and senior seasons.
After commencement, he initially skilled in MMA as a passion earlier than transitioning into competitors. At this time, Johnson stays energetic within the martial arts neighborhood, competing in IBJJF Grasp divisions and persevering with his ardour for gaming and Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
He at the moment resides in Washington together with his spouse and kids.
Roberto Villa is the CEO, Founder, Government Author, and Senior Editor of FightBook MMA. Has a ardour for Fight Sports activities and can be a podcast host for Sitting Ringside. He’s additionally a former MMA fighter and Kickboxer. He’s additionally the principle photographer for the 4CornersMafia Automobile Membership.
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