“A company that valued my morals” - Demetrious Johnson says his decision to join ONE Championship perfectly encapsulated his vision

Demetrious Johnson is adamant that his move to ONE Championship was the best decision he made in his legendary career.

The MMA legend said in an interview with MMA Fighting that the promotion didn't just acknowledge his status as one of the greatest fighters of all time, but shared his vision for the sport.

He said:

"It was the perfect opportunity, a company that valued my morals and my skill set, that won't really focus on getting rid of the flyweights."

Johnson built a stellar career in the UFC, where he became the promotion's first flyweight world champion.

After he beat Joseph Benavidez to capture the inaugural UFC flyweight world championship, Johnson defended his throne a record 11 straight times before suffering a split decision loss to Henry Cejudo in 2018.

Demetrious Johnson then debuted in ONE Championship in 2019 after what became arguably the biggest switch in MMA history.

Already a mythic figure during his run in the UFC, Johnson further elevated his career in ONE Championship when he won the ONE Flyweight MMA World Grand Prix title and the ONE flyweight MMA world title.

Johnson also featured in a ground-breaking mixed-rules match against former ONE flyweight Muay Thai world champion Rodtang Jitmuangnon at ONE X.

'Mighty Mouse' ultimately bid goodbye to MMA in September this year in an emotional ceremony at ONE 168: Denver at Ball Arena in Colorado.

Watch Johnson's entire interview below:

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Demetrious Johnson says he has no regrets in his MMA career

If there ever was a fighter who encapsulated what it meant to be a professional, it has to be Demetrious Johnson.

The former ONE flyweight MMA world champion was the perfect example of how a fighter should operate inside and outside of competition, and that alone made him one of the most respected individuals in all of sports.

While some people still believe Johnson will one day have the itch to return to MMA, 'Mighty Mouse' said there's nothing left for him to do after he decided to retire from the sport.

He said during a behind-the-scenes vlog on his YouTube channel:

"I feel good about it. But yeah, I think it's time. Being 38 years old, I accomplished everything I wanted to in mixed martial arts and more. You know, I never thought I'd be a world champion in Asia. And world champion in North America, you know, UFC and ONE Championship."