It is common for UFC fighters to reconsider retirement after time away from competition sparks the urge to return. Jon Jones recently revealed he “could be done” following the announcement of the UFC White House event, although critics responded sharply to his career’s uncertain status. Despite this, Jones seems to recognize that he has little left to prove inside the Octagon. Meanwhile, Dustin Poirier remains motivated to resolve unfinished business with Justin Gaethje, as they both hold victories over each other.
However, Demetrious Johnson, a legendary figure in the sport with an unfinished trilogy, is resolute about staying retired and moving on from this chapter of his career.
Demetrious Johnson Declines Grappling Rematch with Henry Cejudo
At a recent celebrity flag football event, top fighters including Jon Jones and Demetrious Johnson participated, renewing discussions about the greatest UFC athletes. Johnson, who debuted in 2011 and set the record for the most consecutive UFC title defenses, retired in 2024 after a six-fight winning streak in ONE Championship ended by his first stoppage loss, completing his trilogy against Henry Cejudo.
After losing his UFC flyweight title to Cejudo, leveling their rivalry at 1-1, Johnson has decisively dismissed the notion of competing again against his former rival in a Real American Freestyle grappling match.
Don’t try to con me into this s—,
Johnson stated on his YouTube channel.
I don’t wrestle, man. I’m retired, I’m busy doing all of my other s—… I don’t want that. That’s all you baby.
Upcoming Matchups Highlight Career Comebacks in UFC
Henry Cejudo retired in 2020 after vacating his bantamweight title but returned to the UFC three years later. Similarly, Urijah Faber paused his career before making a brief comeback with two fights in 2019. The two former champions are set to face off on February 28 at the Mullett Arena in Tempe, Arizona, as part of the next Real American Freestyle event.
Legacy and Impact of Johnson’s Retirement Decision
Demetrious Johnson’s choice to remain retired underscores the varied paths UFC fighters take post-competition, highlighting the difficulties in stepping away from the sport. As Johnson focuses on life beyond fighting, his firm rejection of a trilogy rematch with Cejudo emphasizes the finality of his decision. This stance contrasts with other fighters like Jon Jones and Dustin Poirier, whose ongoing motivations to return reveal the persistent allure of the Octagon for UFC fighters. The upcoming bouts in Tempe featuring veterans like Cejudo and Faber continue to draw attention to how retirements and comebacks shape MMA’s evolving landscape.
