Dana White’s Comments on Demetrious Johnson’s Retirement Stir Controversy

Dana White’s recent praise of former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson has sparked outrage among MMA fans. Johnson, regarded as one of the greatest fighters of all time, announced his retirement at ONE 168 in Denver, marking the end of an illustrious career that has left a lasting impact on the sport.

Demetrious Johnson, widely considered the best 125lb fighter in history, officially retired during an emotional speech at ONE 168. With a career that rivals the likes of Jon Jones, Georges St-Pierre, and Conor McGregor, Johnson’s retirement marks the end of an era for one of MMA’s most respected athletes.

Upon learning of Johnson’s retirement, Dana White expressed admiration for the 38-year-old fighter. Speaking to Grind City Media, White said, “Good for him. Incredible career he had. I’ve never had a problem with Demetrious Johnson.” White also confirmed that Johnson would be inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, joining the ONE Championship Hall of Fame, where he was the first fighter to receive the honor.

However, fans were quick to call out White’s comments, pointing to the often rocky relationship between the UFC president and Johnson during his time with the promotion. Despite Johnson’s record-setting 11 title defenses as the UFC flyweight champion, White was often criticized for not giving “Mighty Mouse” the respect and financial rewards he deserved, with threats to close his division if he didn’t accept fights like the proposed bout against TJ Dillashaw.

In 2018, the UFC traded Johnson to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren, a move that shocked many in the MMA community. Johnson continued to thrive in ONE, solidifying his legacy as one of the sport’s all-time greats, while Askren’s UFC stint was marked by a devastating knockout loss to Jorge Masvidal, one of the most infamous moments in UFC history.

Footage of White’s reaction to Johnson’s retirement quickly went viral, reigniting old criticisms. Fans took to social media to express their frustration, accusing White of rewriting history with his recent praise. One fan tweeted, “Like does Dana just think we forget s*** or?” while another added, “Dana is the most shameless liar I’ve ever seen.”

The criticism highlights the complex relationship between White and Johnson, with many fans feeling that the UFC president’s recent comments don’t align with how he handled Johnson’s career while he was in the promotion.

While Johnson has not yet responded to White’s comments or his UFC Hall of Fame invitation, his retirement speech made it clear that he’s ready to move on from the sport. As one of the most accomplished fighters in MMA history, Johnson’s legacy is secure, and fans will be watching closely to see how he addresses his past with the UFC and its president.

Demetrious Johnson’s retirement marks the end of a storied career that will be remembered for his unparalleled skill and dominance in the flyweight division. However, Dana White’s recent praise has opened old wounds among fans who recall the challenges Johnson faced during his time in the UFC. As Johnson steps away from fighting, his legacy remains intact, but the conversation about his treatment in the UFC continues to spark debate within the MMA community.