Demetrious Johnson Concerned For Fighting Future Amidst COVID-19

The coronavirus has had a major impact on sporting events around the world this year, including ONE Championship. As a result of the global pandemic, the Home of Martial Arts was forced to cease all events for five months. But now, with certain protocols in place, the action is back up and running. Albeit, with restrictions and protocols in place.

Not everyone is comfortable with this new normal, though. Demetrious Johnson, who has been inactive for the entirety of 2020, actually flirted with the idea of retirement. In an interview with MMA Junkie, ‘Mighty Mouse’ said that the thought of not fighting has crossed his mind.

“What If I Never Fight Again?”

“I hope we don’t see a COVID-22, knock on wood right now,” said Johnson. “You just never know. I mean, COVID-19, like I’m not going to lie – I was getting ready for this fight, I had my ticket booked to go out to Jakarta, and then this s*** just happened.

“And then to sit on the sidelines for a full year, I’m going to have to start thinking about something else because it only takes one new virus to wipe out your entire career. I thought, ‘What if I never fight again? What if I never fight again because of COVID-19?’”

“Being With My Wife And Kids”

Johnson last saw action when he defeated Danny Kingad in the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix final at ONE: Century in October 2019. He was set to face Adriano Moraes for the ONE flyweight title in April of this year. However, their fight was canceled as a result of the pandemic. With the United States being one of the hardest hit countries, it’s hard to determine when athletes like ‘DJ’ will return to the ONE Circle.

“I might never fight again, all that needs to happen is COVID 2022, and everything gets shut down, no live events,” Johnson said. “COVID-19 didn’t really hit me hard. I didn’t care about fighting. I just cared about being with my wife and kids, helping them being successful in their schooling. Obviously, me staying healthy for when the time comes I can be ready to fight. But when the COVID-19 hit, I was more father-retirement mode because when else I’m I going to fight again, I don’t know.”

ONE Championship CEO Chatri Sityodtong recently stated that Adriano Moraes vs Demetrious Johnson is in the works for early 2021.

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