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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
MMA Junkie Staff

This date in MMA history: Demetrious Johnson starts historic UFC flyweight title reign

A dozen years ago, Demetrious Johnson made history.

“Mighty Mouse” outworked Joseph Benavidez for a split decision in the final of a four-man tournament to become the UFC’s inaugural flyweight champion. It was the start of a run in the division that will be hard to topple.

Johnson defended the 125-pound title 11 consecutive times before he lost it in a highly debatable split decision to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 a little more than six years ago. After that, he moved to ONE Championship, where he won that promotion’s 135-pound title before he recently announced his retirement.

On the anniversary of that first UFC flyweight title fight, take a look back at Johnson’s UFC title wins while he was considered by many to be the top pound-for-pound fighter in 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

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
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