Demetrious Johnson starts flyweight reign

A dozen years in the past, Demetrious Johnson made historical past.

“Mighty Mouse” outworked Joseph Benavidez for a break up resolution within the ultimate of a four-man event to turn into the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion. It was the beginning of a run within the division that will likely be exhausting to topple.

Johnson defended the 125-pound title 11 consecutive instances earlier than he misplaced it in a extremely debatable break up resolution to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 a bit greater than six years in the past. After that, he moved to ONE Championship, the place he gained that promotion’s 135-pound title earlier than he just lately introduced his retirement.

On the anniversary of that first UFC flyweight title combat, have a look again at Johnson’s UFC title wins whereas he was thought of by many to be the highest pound-for-pound fighter within the sport.

Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez, UFC 152

Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez, UFC 152

Johnson def. John Dodson, UFC on FOX 6

Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson, UFC on FOX 6

Johnson def. John Moraga, UFC on FOX 8

Demtrious Johnson vs. John Moraga, UFC on FOX 8

Johnson def. Joseph Benavidez, UFC on FOX 9

Demetrious Johnson vs. Joseph Benavidez 2, UFC on FOX 9

Johnson def. Ali Bagautinov, UFC 174

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ali Bagautinov, UFC 174

Johnson def. Chris Cariaso, UFC 178

Demetrious Johnson vs. Chris Cariaso, UFC 178

Johnson def. Kyogi Horiguchi, UFC 186

Demetrious Johnson vs. Kyogi Horiguchi, UFC 186

Johnson def. John Dodson, UFC 191

Demetrious Johnson vs. John Dodson 2, UFC 191

Johnson def. Henry Cejudo, UFC 197

Gallery

Henry Cejudo def. Demetrious Johnson at UFC 227: Finest photographs

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14 photographs

Johnson def. Tim Elliott, TUF 24 Finale

Demetrious Johnson vs. Tim Elliott, TUF 24 Finale

Johnson def. Wilson Reis, UFC on FOX 24

Demetrious Johnson vs. Wilson Reis, UFC on FOX 24

Johnson def. Ray Borg, UFC 216

Demetrious Johnson vs. Ray Borg, UFC 216