Tag: ‘One

Dana White salutes Demetrious Johnson after retirement: ‘I was defending him from the fans’

Dana White salutes Demetrious Johnson after retirement: 'I was defending him from the fans'UFC CEO, Dana White has heaped praise on former undisputed flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson — after the Kentucky fan-favorite…

Dana White salutes Demetrious Johnson after retirement: 'I was defending him from the fans'

UFC CEO, Dana White has heaped praise on former undisputed flyweight champion, Demetrious Johnson — after the Kentucky fan-favorite finally called time on his stunning professional mixed martial arts career over the course of the weekend in ONE Championship’s return to North America.

Johnson, a former undisputed flyweight champion in the UFC — who retains the record for the most consecutive successful title defenses in the history of the Octagon, appeared at ONE Championship 168 in Denver over the course of the weekend, emotionally confirming his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

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Preparing to potentially continue in his recent run of massive appearances at a host of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu world championship competitions, Johnson called time on his run following a prior unanimous decision win over three-time foe, Adriano Moraes in May of last year in Colorado — retaining ONE flyweight crown.

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Demetrious Johnson praised in retirement by UFC boss, Dana White

And sharing his thoughts on Johnson’s retirement from mixed martial arts over the course of the weekend, UFC boss, White claimed he always “defended” the former UFC star from apparent fan discourse, before confirming he would also enter their respective Hall of Fame following his decision to hang up his gloves.

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Yeah, I didn’t know he (Demetrious Johnson) [retired],” Dana White told Grind City Media. “God for him. (An) incredible career he had. I never had a problem with Demetrious Johnson. Absolutely [he’s a Hall of Fame inductee].”

“Listen, if you go back to when he was here [in the UFC], I was defending him from the fans,” Dana White explained. “Who’s defended Demetrious Johnson more than me?”

‘The True GOAT!’ – Fans React To UFC Legend Demetrious Johnson Retiring From MMA At ONE 168

Demetrious Johnson, the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, just announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168: Denver. Back in 2019, the UFC traded Johnson with Ben Askren from ONE Championship. In the new promotion, he racked up five wins, including tw…

Demetrious Johnson holding his medals in Jiu-JiuJitsu

Demetrious Johnson, the inaugural UFC flyweight champion, just announced his retirement from MMA at ONE 168: Denver. Back in 2019, the UFC traded Johnson with Ben Askren from ONE Championship. In the new promotion, he racked up five wins, including two title fight victories. Although he didn’t get much recognition for it back in the […]

Continue Reading ‘The True GOAT!’ – Fans React To UFC Legend Demetrious Johnson Retiring From MMA At ONE 168 at MMA News.

Demetrious Johnson Announces MMA Retirement, Inducted Into ONE Championship Hall Of Fame

The mixed martial arts career of UFC and ONE Championship legend Demetrious Johnson has reached its conclusion. Johnson officially announced his retirement from the sport of MMA following 15 months of uncertainty. His final appearance was a headline v…

Demetrious Johnson

The mixed martial arts career of UFC and ONE Championship legend Demetrious Johnson has reached its conclusion. Johnson officially announced his retirement from the sport of MMA following 15 months of uncertainty. His final appearance was a headline victory at ONE Fight Night 10, the Asian promotion’s United States debut in May 2023. After outpointing […]

Continue Reading Demetrious Johnson Announces MMA Retirement, Inducted Into ONE Championship Hall Of Fame at MMA News.

ONE 168: Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek Live Results & Highlights

ONE Championship is back for its second event in the United States this week, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! In May 2023, the organization presented ONE Fight Night 10 from the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The event marke…

ONE 168

ONE Championship is back for its second event in the United States this week, and MMA News has you covered with all the action! In May 2023, the organization presented ONE Fight Night 10 from the 1stBank Center in Broomfield, Colorado. The event marked its on-site debut in the United States, and ONE Championship brought a stacked card […]

Continue Reading ONE 168: Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek Live Results & Highlights at MMA News.

Injured Kade Ruotolo Out Of ONE 168: Denver Title Fight Following Craig Jones Invitational Win

ONE Championship’s upcoming return to the United States has taken a major hit. After fortifying its status among combat promotions in Asia, ONE began its pursuit of further prominence on US soil by debuting in the region last year. The successful ONE Fight Night 10 card took place at the 1stBankCenter in Broomfield, where Demetrious […]

Continue Reading Injured Kade Ruotolo Out Of ONE 168: Denver Title Fight Following Craig Jones Invitational Win at MMA News.

ONE Championship’s upcoming return to the United States has taken a major hit.

After fortifying its status among combat promotions in Asia, ONE began its pursuit of further prominence on US soil by debuting in the region last year. The successful ONE Fight Night 10 card took place at the 1stBankCenter in Broomfield, where Demetrious Johnson, Rodtang Jitmuangnon, and Stamp Fairtex were among the major winners.

The organization is back in Colorado almost 16 months later, with Denver’s Ball Arena playing host to ONE’s sophomore US event. But when it comes to putting on a stacked lineup for the American audience, not everything has gone to plan this time around.

ONE 168, set for this Friday, September 6, first lost its strawweight MMA title headliner between champion Xiong Jing Nan and atomweight queen Stamp after the latter tore her meniscus in May.

And just as fight week gets underway, the upcoming card has taken another huge blow…

Ruotolo Out Of Musumeci Super Fight, ‘Dealing With Injuries’ After CJI Triumph

In the absence of Xiong vs. Stamp, another champ vs. champ showdown was cemented as the main event in Jonathan Haggerty vs. Superlek Kiatmoo9. Co-headlining, meanwhile, was slated to be a submission grappling title fight.

Among those raising the prominence of submission grappling in ONE are Kade Ruotolo and Mikey Musumeci. The pair were scheduled to do battle for the former’s lightweight title at ONE 168, with “Darth Rigatoni” moving up three weight classes to take on the challenge.

But after emerging $1 million richer from the inaugural Craig Jones Invitational last month, Ruotolo is carrying injuries and has been left unable to share the Circle with Musumeci in Denver.

“Just going to start by saying this year has been a hectic one,” Ruotolo wrote on Facebook. “I am proud for accomplishing my goals this year of competing in gi, nogi and mma. I’m unfortunately dealing with injuries. I know a lot of people, including myself and Mikey were looking forward to the One match in Denver but unfortunately it’s off.

“Im going to be recovering alongside my brother and hope to get back to the mats asap. Massive thank you to @onechampionships for being the best martial arts platform @yodchatri,” he concluded.

It’s unclear whether Musumeci will remain on the lineup and receive a replacement opponent. But should he and Ruotolo be off the card, ONE 168 will have lost one of its biggest matchups and both of its big-name US athletes.

Continue Reading Injured Kade Ruotolo Out Of ONE 168: Denver Title Fight Following Craig Jones Invitational Win at MMA News.

After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC

Muhammad Mokaev’s future has been in question ever since his very public release from the mixed martial arts leader after UFC 304. And now, it seems the best potential alternate option for him has its door closed. Or has it? According to Drake Riggs of MMA Mania, ONE Championship and Mokaev have had discussions, but […]

Continue Reading After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC at MMA News.

Muhammad Mokaev’s future has been in question ever since his very public release from the mixed martial arts leader after UFC 304. And now, it seems the best potential alternate option for him has its door closed.

Or has it?

According to Drake Riggs of MMA Mania, ONE Championship and Mokaev have had discussions, but the Asian promotion was told that he will be re-signing with the UFC.

It is unknown if Mokaev will actually get re-signed by the UFC, but Mokaev’s social media activity of late seems to indicate he only is seeking an Octagon return return.

Muhammad Mokaev Claims He Is Re-Signing With UFC Following Talks With ONE Championship, PFL Expressing Lack Of Interest

Following the PFL Playoffs card in Nashville on Friday, PFL President Ray Sefo was asked by Brett Cagle at the event’s post-fight press conference about the promotion’s interest in Mokaev. Sefo, however, seemed against the idea.

“I’ve spoken to people in the know and, apparently, he’s just a pain in the ass to deal with,” Sefo said. “And so, no, we’re not interested.”

This came following UFC CEO’s Dana White’s comments at the UFC 304 post-fight press conference, where he stated “the PFL is going to get a great undefeated fighter” as he announced the UFC was not looking to re-sign Mokaev following the conclusion of his contract.

A follow-up claim from Ben Davis stated that Mokaev had attempted to use the PFL as leverage in negotiations, contacting them before the expiration of his UFC contract in Manchester. That claim, however, has since been thrown into question, with Mokaev and his team branding it false.

Mokaev came out on social media in response to Sefo, claiming he was not going to sign with the PFL regardless and suggesting the the organization is trying to get out in front of things.

Mokaev was the source of controversy last week after a number of altercations with UFC 304 opponent Manel Kape. The pair went on to have an underwhelming battle at the event, with “The Punisher” getting a win via decision.

Continue Reading After PFL President Dismisses Pursuing ‘Pain In The Ass’ Muhammad Mokaev, ONE Reportedly Told He’s Re-Signing With UFC at MMA News.