Demetrious Johnson Begs Israel Adesanya to Retire After 4-Fight Losing Streak

UFC legend Demetrious Johnson lays out a list of reason about why Israel Adesanya should retire after recent losses.

Demetrious Johnson Begs Israel Adesanya to Retire After 4-Fight Losing Streak

Demetrious Johnson weighs in on Israel Adesanya's career (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Demetrious Johnson has urged Israel Adesanya to consider retirement after his fourth consecutive loss.
  • Adesanya's recent defeats include a knockout loss to Joe Pyfer at UFC Seattle and a submission loss to Dricus Du Plessis.
  • Johnson, now an analyst and coach, emphasizes the importance of transitioning from competition to other pursuits.

Former UFC flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson is regarded as one of the greatest fighters in UFC history, known for his technicality and adaptability. He now works full‑time as an analyst and connects with fans through his YouTube channel. Recently, Johnson urged Israel Adesanya to consider retirement after the former middleweight champion suffered his fourth consecutive loss at UFC Seattle.

Adesanya was one of the UFC’s most dominant middleweight champions at his peak. He won the middleweight title by defeating Robert Whittaker at UFC 243 in 2019 and defended it successfully five times. His notable victories include wins over Paulo Costa, Alex Pereira, and Jared Cannonier. Adesanya’s striking and kickboxing background were key to maintaining his 185-pound championship reign.

However, Adesanya’s momentum has recently faded. He was scheduled to compete at UFC Seattle against Joe Pyfer, who was ranked #14 in the middleweight division. In the second round, Pyfer took Adesanya down and delivered a flurry of punches from the back mount, resulting in a knockout loss for the former champion. Following this defeat, Johnson publicly urged Adesanya to consider retirement.

Dog, you don’t need to fight, right? I would [retire] if I was him. I think he’s done everything—there’s nothing else for him to do. The man’s been on a tear, on a grind. I think he deserves to relax and enjoy himself and find something else. People are like, ‘Man, you should come wrestle for Real American Freestyle!’ Why? This [business] stuff is way more important than competing. That is very, very hard, and that drives me.

Demetrious Johnson via The Ariel Helwani Show

Johnson urged Adesanya to seriously consider retirement, noting that ‘Stylebender’ had lost his three previous fights before UFC Seattle. In February 2025, Adesanya was knocked out by Nassourdine Imavov at UFC Saudi Arabia. Prior to that, he lost via submission to Dricus Du Plessis at UFC 305. His middleweight title reign ended in September 2023 when he was defeated by Sean Strickland at UFC 293.

Adesanya has consistently spoken highly of Johnson. He was ecstatic when ‘Mighty Mouse’ avenged his 2021 loss to Adriano Moraes in 2022 under the ONE Championship banner. The Kiwi middleweight has also noted that if Johnson had been over six feet tall, no one in MMA would likely have stood a chance. Adesanya’s admiration highlights Johnson’s legacy across multiple organizations and generations.

Demetrious Johnson’s comments are based on experience, having competed at the pinnacle of combat sports for well over a decade. However, Israel Adesanya has stated that he will show no signs of slowing down and is eager to return to the Octagon. The former champion aims to get back into the win column as he continues his MMA career. His focus remains on the upcoming competition despite recent setbacks.

Demetrious Johnson’s hilarious reason for not wanting to train with undefeated UFC champion

Demetrious Johnson trained at AMC Pankration throughout his career, specializing in wrestling techniques and Muay Thai under popular coach Matt Humes. Now retired, Johnson has been actively training numerous UFC fighters, teaching them the technical aspects of the sport. His work with current athletes was highlighted during a recent session with Arman Tsarukyan, showcasing his coaching expertise.

Demetrious Johnson
Demetrious Johnson (via ONE Championship)

Recently, Johnson sparred with UFC middleweight champion Khamzat Chimaev, who is larger and stronger than him. While Johnson often performs well against heavier opponents, he struggled somewhat against Chimaev’s size and strength. The session emphasized the intensity and skill level of the Chechen champion’s training team and Johnson’s respect for their undefeated record.

The man is a machine… He’s so strong and big, man. I’m gonna join wrestling practice… but I’m not worthy to be on that team. Everyone on that team is undefeated.

Demetrious Johnson via The Ariel Helwani Show

Khamzat Chimaev primarily trains with Zhamalov Razambek, Khalam Dudaev, Mohammed Rafim, and Ali Savadkouh, all Persian wrestlers known for their dominance on the mat. Chimaev is also recognized for his intense training regimen and work ethic. His skill posed a significant challenge for Demetrious Johnson during their sparring session, highlighting the level of competition at the highest tier of MMA.

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