This summer, several notable UFC stars were inducted into the UFC Hall of Fame, including WMMA legend Amanda Nunes, Robbie Lawler, Vitor Belfort, and Mark Kerr. Israel Adesanya and Kelvin Gastelum were also honored in the Fight Wing for their 2018 ‘fight of the year’ at UFC 236. Despite his own induction at age 35, Adesanya expressed surprise that Demetrious Johnson, a fighter widely regarded as one of the greatest, has yet to be recognized by the Hall of Fame, emphasizing Johnson’s significant contributions to the sport. The discussion underscores ongoing debates about who deserves this lasting recognition in MMA history.
Adesanya Urges UFC to Include Demetrious Johnson in the Hall of Fame
Demetrious Johnson, often known as ‘Mighty Mouse,’ is considered by many as the greatest flyweight in UFC history. He set a record with 11 consecutive title defenses, a landmark unlikely to be matched. Johnson was also widely regarded as the pound-for-pound king during his prime. In 2018, he transitioned from UFC to ONE Championship after a trade involving Ben Askren. Johnson officially retired last year with an impressive professional record of 25 wins, 4 losses, and 1 draw. Despite these accomplishments, he remains absent from the UFC Hall of Fame roster.
Adesanya recently addressed Johnson on the podcast Young Man Ramble, expressing his disbelief upon learning Johnson had not been inducted.
I found out recently you’re not in the UFC Hall of Fame,
Adesanya said. He added,
They better be [inducting you]. The GOAT,
underlining Johnson’s impact on the sport.
Reflecting on the timeline, Adesanya questioned,
Especially cause you’ve been away from the UFC now for how long?
and noted the seven years since Johnson’s last UFC fight against Henry Cejudo at UFC 227. Adesanya also shared his feelings about his own induction, admitting,
But even me, I’m like… When I first saw [my induction], I was like, I’m too young to be in the Hall of Fame. But for this fight, I was like, I’ll take it. Because it was me and Kelvin and it was a banger f—— fight,
referring to his legendary bout with Gastelum. He concluded his remarks to Johnson by saying,
I think you of all people should be in the Hall of Fame, bar none,
emphasizing Johnson’s unparalleled standing.
Demetrious Johnson Reflects on the Possibility of UFC Hall of Fame Induction
Though Johnson has not been a part of UFC events for several years and has had a complex relationship with UFC president Dana White, he remains an iconic figure in MMA. White once claimed Johnson was not the promotion’s best fighter, a stance challenged by many fans and fighters. Regardless, Johnson’s involvement helped raise the profile of lighter weight divisions and advanced mixed martial arts as a whole.
Regarding a potential invitation to join the Hall of Fame, Johnson stated,
When they do the invitation, I’ll probably accept it,
demonstrating a willingness to engage with the UFC’s highest honors. Additionally, he expressed respect for the UFC’s role in the sport, remarking,
I would love to be in the UFC Hall of Fame because that’s what’s taken the sport of mixed martial arts to the next level. There hasn’t been another company to be able to do it,
highlighting the organization’s influence on MMA’s growth worldwide.
Significance of Hall of Fame Recognition for Fighters and the Sport
The issue of Demetrious Johnson’s absence from the UFC Hall of Fame highlights broader questions about legacy and recognition in MMA. Johnson’s historic achievements, including his record title defenses and high skill level, set a high bar for hall of fame eligibility. Adesanya’s insistence reflects a common sentiment that Johnson’s contributions have been undervalued in official honors. As the UFC continues to celebrate its history, a future induction for Johnson could solidify his place among the sport’s all-time greats and provide a lasting tribute to his exceptional career.