Midnight Mania: Emotional Mighty Mouse Retires At One 168

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Welcome to Midnight Mania!

Quite simply, Demetrious Johnson might be the best to have ever done it.

“Mighty Mouse” challenged Dominick Cruz for the UFC Bantamweight crown way back in 2011, just two years into his professional career. He was too small to defeat “The Dominator,” but when the Flyweight division opened up a year later, Johnson arrived. He won the initial Flyweight tournament to become champion then defended his title a record-setting 11 times in the next six years.

“DJ” didn’t just defend his title either. He absolutely dominated the field, scoring 50-45 decisions, devastating knockouts, and flying armbars alike. Johnson was elite in just about every area and especially in transitioning between them. Truly, Johnson was a standout talent with unreal abilities, even if that never translated into being a huge pay-per-view draw.

Johnson’s UFC career ended with a debatable split-decision loss to Henry Cejudo. After the defeat — and actively ignoring Johnson’s earlier knockout win over Cejudo — UFC traded “Mighty Mouse” to One Championship for Ben Askren. The unprecedented move didn’t slow Johnson at all. He quickly captured the One Flyweight belt then ultimately was victorious in an all-action trilogy versus Adriano Moraes.

He walks away at 38 years of age still holding that title.

Johnson was emotional during his retirement speech, which took place on Friday (Sept. 6, 2024) at One Championship 168 inside Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. A teary-eyed Johnson thanked his team, coach, the fans, and his family in a lengthy retirement speech.

Check out the clip below:

Is “Mighty Mouse” the GOAT?

Insomnia

Dylan Budka addresses his weight miss … but seeing as he nearly collapsed on the scale, it sure seems like the doctor made the correct call!

The One situation is looking worse by the day, which is a shame since the promotion actually puts forth a really fun product.

I hope nobody ate a larger dinner tonight?

If it wasn’t for the fact that there’s absolutely zero money to be made, I would be interested in this sport.

I’ve heard this theory from several sources behind the scenes and in official interviews, and … I believe it.

Josh Emmett demonstrating that you don’t actually have to wail away on every non-pro that walks into the gym.

Boo!

Slips, rips, and KO clips

Awesome combos and a remarkable ability to remain standing upright.

Half-speed punches upstairs lead to a crushing liver shot.

Squatted low and ripped a right hook:

Random Land

I love a twist.

Midnight Music: Rock, 1979

Anecdote of the Week: Here’s a mini one since Josh Emmett was in the column tonight. During Thursday morning boxing practice, I was lightly boxing sparring with Emmett, who is thankfully careful not to obliterate his training partners. As Emmett came forward, I got down behind my lead shoulder to roll a couple jabs and thought I had a good bead on his head, so I tried to come out of the shoulder roll with my own right cross.

Emmett threw his own simultaneous right hand, and thank God my head was off the center line enough that it didn’t hit me. Despite the missed connection, it was all I could think about for the rest of the day. Unintentional or not, training or not, big gloves or not — I tried to trade right hands with Josh Emmett. People have died for less. Idiot!

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Sleep well Maniacs! More martial arts madness is always on the way.