Demetrious Johnson, the former UFC flyweight champion, has no plans to come out of retirement despite being called out by Alexandre Pantoja and offered a substantial payday, as he is content with his decision to retire and focus on building his empire outside of fighting.
Demetrious Johnson isn’t planning a comeback. That’s the word from the former UFC flyweight champ, who responded after Alexandre Pantoja called him out following his win over Kai Asakura. Pantoja’s victory marked his third consecutive title defense, and with few challengers left in the UFC rankings, he turned his sights on Johnson.
Pantoja declared, “I’m the GOAT here. If you want to prove you’re the GOAT, come back.” But Johnson? He replied with a firm thanks but no thanks. “My Black ass ain’t coming out of retirement,” he stated on his YouTube channel. Why would he? His bank account is sitting pretty, and at 38 years old, with 11 consecutive title defenses under his belt, he sees no reason to return.
Johnson hung up his gloves back in September, giving himself over a year to reconsider if he wanted to fight again. When that self-imposed time limit ran out, he knew it was time to call it a career. Even previous opponent Adriano Moraes speculated about a potential return, but Johnson hasn’t wavered.
“I’m retired, guys. I have no interest in fighting anymore,” Johnson reiterated. He expressed happiness for Pantoja’s success and acknowledged him as an incredible athlete. In his eyes, Pantoja is currently the greatest flyweight globally, alongside talents like Adriano Moraes and Kyoji Horiguchi at American Top Team.
“I am not the best flyweight in the world anymore,” Johnson admitted candidly. He declared that he’s happily retired and has no intention of pulling a Jose Aldo or Donald Cerrone by making a comeback. What’s there to prove?
Even a hefty payday couldn’t lure him back into the octagon. Johnson revealed he was offered $2 million for one fight but turned it down without hesitation. It wasn’t with the UFC or against Pantoja; he’s keeping those details under wraps.
“What’s beautiful about my position?” Johnson mused. “I’ve been offered $2 million dollars for one fight, and I said no.” Reflecting on his career, he realized there comes a point when you ask why you’re still fighting. He was the best for six years across continents and divisions.
Instead of taking punches for a living, Johnson now enjoys providing for his family through his thriving YouTube channel and other ventures outside of fighting. This new path defines success for him more than any challenge from aspiring contenders.
“What’s more badass than being the best fighter?” Johnson pondered. Building an empire, that’s what. For athletes relying on winnings, losing means losing half their pay instantly—poof! That realization made retiring appealing; no longer does he want to depend on his body or titles to pay bills and build his legacy.