Pantoja Calls Out Retired Champion Demetrious Johnson
Alexandre Pantoja called out Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson after defending his UFC flyweight title at UFC 310 in December 2024. The proposed matchup drew attention because Johnson had already announced his retirement from mixed martial arts at ONE 168 three months earlier. Johnson’s response made clear that Pantoja’s challenge would not bring him back to MMA.
Why Pantoja called out Johnson
On December 7, 2024, Pantoja submitted Kai Asakura with a rear-naked choke in the second round of the UFC 310 main event. The win was Pantoja’s third successful defense of the UFC flyweight championship. In his post-fight interview, he challenged Johnson to return and settle the debate over the division’s greatest fighter. Reuters’ UFC 310 report confirmed the result and Pantoja’s title defense.
Johnson had already retired
Johnson announced his retirement during ONE 168: Denver on September 6, 2024. His retirement came after a decorated career that included 11 consecutive UFC flyweight title defenses and a championship run in ONE Championship. Johnson announced his MMA retirement in 2024. He had stopped competing in the UFC in 2018, continued his career with ONE, and Johnson stopped competing in the UFC in 2018, continued his career with ONE, and retired from MMA in 2024. ONE Championship’s report on Johnson’s retirement and MMA Fighting’s announcement coverage document the decision.
His response to the callout
In a video response, Johnson said he had turned down a reported $2 million offer and did not want to fight again. MMA Fighting reported his response after UFC 310. His answer was consistent with the retirement he had announced three months earlier.
A challenge, not a booked fight
Pantoja’s callout was an invitation, not an announced or negotiated bout. Johnson’s retirement and refusal ended speculation about a comeback at that time. Pantoja’s victory over Asakura strengthened his own flyweight résumé, while Johnson’s 11 UFC title defenses remained a landmark of the division.
Sources
- ONE Championship: Johnson reflects on his retirement at ONE 168
- Reuters: Pantoja submits Asakura at UFC 310
- MMA Fighting: Pantoja’s callout and Johnson’s response
