If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://forthepeople.com/lionel

#DemetriousJohnson #MightyMouse #UFC

Widely regarded as one of the greatest mixed martial artists of all time, Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson redefined the flyweight division and left a lasting legacy of technical excellence, consistency, and humility. His journey from regional circuits to becoming the most dominant UFC flyweight champion in history is a testament to his adaptability, intelligence, and elite athleticism. Before joining the UFC, Johnson built his foundation in the bantamweight division, competing under the Alaska Fighting Championship and then the WEC. Notable early bouts included wins over Nick Pace and Damacio Page, and a loss to Brad Pickett that highlighted both his promise and areas for development. These formative fights helped refine the high-volume striking and chain wrestling that would define his style. Demetrious made his UFC debut in 2011 at bantamweight, defeating Japanese veteran Norifumi “Kid” Yamamoto at UFC 126. He then bested Miguel Torres and lost a close decision to Dominick Cruz for the bantamweight title at UFC on Versus 6—his only title fight loss in the UFC. This performance nonetheless underscored his world-class potential. With the introduction of the flyweight division in 2012, Johnson found his ideal weight class. He entered the UFC’s inaugural Flyweight Tournament, fighting Ian McCall to a draw and then defeating him in a rematch. Johnson then captured the UFC Flyweight Championship by defeating Joseph Benavidez via split decision at UFC 152. From there, Johnson launched one of the most dominant title reigns in UFC history, defending his belt a record-setting 11 consecutive times from 2012 to 2018. His run included victories over John Dodson (twice), Henry Cejudo, Kyoji Horiguchi, Ali Bagautinov, Chris Cariaso, Tim Elliott, Wilson Reis, and Ray Borg. Notably, his suplex-to-armbar finish of Borg at UFC 216 is widely considered one of the most creative and iconic submissions in MMA history. His reign ended in a razor-thin split decision loss to Henry Cejudo at UFC 227 in 2018, a bout that was intensely competitive and controversial. Shortly afterward, Johnson made MMA history by becoming the first part of a high-profile inter-organizational trade, moving to ONE Championship in exchange for Ben Askren. In ONE Championship, Johnson continued to challenge himself against elite international talent, winning the ONE Flyweight World Grand Prix and eventually capturing the ONE Flyweight World Championship by knocking out Adriano Moraes in their 2022 trilogy. Even late into his career, Johnson remained a symbol of technical mastery, humility, and evolution in MMA. Demetrious Johnson’s legacy is defined not only by his title defenses and historic techniques but by how he elevated the lighter weight classes and proved that greatness isn’t measured by size, but by skill, dedication, and heart. He is revered for his clean fighting style, intelligence, and respectful demeanor—an ambassador of martial arts in the truest sense.

If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://forthepeople.com/lionel

------ #RoyceGracie #UFCdocumentary #UFC

🎬 Videos you'll like:

✅ UFC’s Wildest Icon– Bas Rutten: https://youtu.be/F9DYeFsLG04

✅ Manliest UFC Fighter Ever - Don Frye: https://youtu.be/PYriU5WtqMY

✅ Why GSP is better than everyone: https://youtu.be/CvFIH0T5VJQ

👉 Become a Member: https://bit.ly/LionelRivera

👉 Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/lionelrivera

👉 Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lionelrivera

Royce Gracie is a foundational figure in mixed martial arts, forever etched into history as the man who introduced Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu to the world and proved its dominance in real combat. As the original face of the UFC, Gracie helped launch a global revolution in martial arts, shifting the paradigm from traditional striking disciplines to grappling-based systems rooted in leverage, technique, and ground control. Born into the legendary Gracie family in Brazil, Royce was trained from childhood in the art developed by his father Hélio and uncle Carlos. Unlike many fighters who relied on size or strength, Royce became a walking demonstration of the "technique over power" philosophy of Gracie Jiu-Jitsu. Gracie burst onto the scene at UFC 1 in 1993, a no-holds-barred, one-night tournament designed to determine which martial art was most effective. At just 180 pounds, wearing a traditional gi, Gracie submitted Art Jimmerson, Ken Shamrock, and Gerard Gordeau in succession to win the tournament. He returned for UFC 2, winning four fights in one night to claim another tournament victory, defeating Patrick Smith in the final. At UFC 3, he withdrew due to exhaustion after a grueling win over Kimo Leopoldo, but bounced back at UFC 4 with another flawless run, submitting Dan Severn in the finals. Gracie’s undefeated streak continued into UFC 5, where he fought Ken Shamrock in a 36-minute Superfight that ended in a draw due to time limits—an anticlimactic result to a highly anticipated rematch. After UFC 5, Royce left the organization, having already left a seismic impact on the sport. Over the next decade, Royce would compete sporadically in Japan for PRIDE Fighting Championships, facing elite competition such as Kazushi Sakuraba, who famously defeated him in a legendary 90-minute bout that handed Gracie his first MMA loss. Despite that, Royce’s bravery in facing much larger, more well-rounded opponents solidified his reputation as a martial artist with unparalleled heart. Gracie returned to the UFC in 2006 at UFC 60, taking on then-welterweight champion Matt Hughes in a non-title bout. Hughes dominated the fight, finishing Gracie via TKO in the first round, showing how far the sport had evolved since Gracie's prime. Yet even in defeat, Royce's influence remained unquestionable. Royce had a final MMA fight in 2016 at Bellator 149, where he defeated longtime rival Ken Shamrock via TKO. While the bout was marred by controversy due to an apparent low blow, it closed the chapter on one of MMA's earliest and most iconic rivalries. Royce Gracie’s contributions to the sport are immeasurable. He is a UFC Hall of Famer, a pioneer of submission-based combat, and the catalyst for the rise of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu worldwide. He didn’t just win fights—he reshaped combat sports and exposed an entire generation to the value of ground fighting. Without Royce Gracie, there is no UFC as we know it today. His legacy is etched not just in titles or victories, but in every gym where BJJ is practiced and in every fighter who ever learned how to defend a choke.

If you’re ever injured in an accident, you can check out Morgan & Morgan. You can start your claim in just a click without having to leave your couch. To start your claim, visit: https://forthepeople.com/lionel

------ #Basrutten #donfrye #UFC

🎬 Videos you'll like:

✅ Manliest UFC Fighter Ever: Don Frye: https://youtu.be/PYriU5WtqMY

✅ Anderson Silva Documentary: https://youtu.be/-uSCsGFLe3g

✅ Why GSP is better than everyone: https://youtu.be/CvFIH0T5VJQ

👉 Become a Member: https://bit.ly/LionelRivera

👉 Become a Patron: https://patreon.com/lionelrivera

👉 Buy me a coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/lionelrivera

A true pioneer of MMA, Bas Rutten forged a legendary career through a combination of devastating striking, technical evolution, and an undeniable charisma that made him one of the sport’s most beloved figures. Born in the Netherlands, Rutten started as a pure striker with a background in Kyokushin karate and taekwondo, possessing some of the most lethal liver shots in combat sports history. But his early days in Pancrase were a brutal wake-up call, as he was repeatedly outgrappled by seasoned submission specialists like Masakatsu Funaki and Ken Shamrock.

Rather than accept his shortcomings, Rutten obsessively transformed himself from a one-dimensional striker into a submission ace. Training relentlessly, he developed a slick grappling game, leading to a stunning career resurgence. He avenged his loss to Funaki in dominant fashion, finishing him with strikes, and secured multiple wins over elite opponents like Minoru Suzuki, Maurice Smith, and Frank Shamrock. His ability to blend his signature striking with a dangerous ground game allowed him to become a three-time King of Pancrase champion, one of the most prestigious titles in the pre-UFC era. Rutten ended his Pancrase run on an astonishing 19-fight unbeaten streak, finishing most of his opponents and solidifying his place as one of the greatest fighters of his time.

Eager for a new challenge, Rutten entered the UFC in 1998 with his sights set on the heavyweight championship. Despite being undersized for the division, he debuted with a brutal knockout victory over Tsuyoshi Kohsaka, showcasing his signature striking prowess. His next bout would be his most controversial—a championship fight against Kevin Randleman for the vacant UFC heavyweight title. Randleman’s relentless wrestling and top control seemed to dictate much of the fight, but Rutten’s superior striking and late-fight activity swayed the judges, earning him a split-decision victory and making him the UFC heavyweight champion. The result remains one of the most debated decisions in MMA history.

Unfortunately, injuries cut his UFC career short before he could defend his belt. Plagued by chronic knee issues and a series of injuries from years of intense training, he was forced to vacate the title and retire from MMA competition. Despite his short UFC tenure, his impact on the sport remained immense.

Beyond fighting, Rutten became a fan favorite in the world of commentary, coaching, and entertainment. His deep knowledge of MMA and infectious personality made him a staple on UFC broadcasts, Inside MMA, and countless instructional videos. He also found success in Hollywood, appearing in films like Here Comes the Boom, The Smashing Machine, and Paul Blart: Mall Cop, often playing roles that capitalized on his real-life persona as both a fighter and entertainer.
Few fighters have left a mark on MMA quite like Bas Rutten. From overcoming adversity in Pancrase to becoming UFC champion, to influencing future generations with his fight philosophy and larger-than-life personality, his legacy is that of a true martial arts icon.