A Welsh MMA icon has called it quits. Brett Johns, known to fans as "Pikey," has retired from mixed martial arts following a knockout loss, bringing an end to a career that has spanned several years.
Johns' final fight took place at WOW 25, where he faced Featherweight champion Nikolay Grozdev. Despite a strong start, utilizing his grappling skills to control the first round, Grozdev turned the tables in the second. He rocked Johns with a flurry of strikes before finishing him with ground-and-pound.
After the fight, Johns left his gloves in the cage, a traditional sign of retirement, and confirmed his decision in an emotional post-fight interview. He expressed gratitude for his career, stating, "I think it’s time to go now... I’ve got nothing left in the tank. This is it for me."
But here's where it gets controversial... Johns' retirement marks the end of an era for Welsh MMA. He leaves the sport with a professional record of 21-6. He established himself as a pioneer of Welsh MMA. He captured titles in regional promotions like Cage Warriors and Titan FC before signing with the UFC in 2016. During his time in the UFC, Johns compiled an impressive 5-2 record, with his only losses coming against top-tier opponents like Aljamain Sterling and Pedro Munhoz. One of the highlights of his UFC career was a rare calf slicer submission victory.
Following his UFC run, Johns sought better opportunities and signed with Bellator, where he went 3-1 in four appearances. After Bellator was acquired by PFL, he entered the 2024 PFL World Tournament, but his run ended after two consecutive losses.
And this is the part most people miss... After a year-long break, Johns signed with WOW earlier this year and delivered one final highlight, submitting his opponent with a first-round Suloev Stretch in his promotional debut.
Brett Johns may not be a household name in the global MMA scene, but in Wales, he is a legend. He paved the way for future generations of Welsh fighters.
What do you think of Brett Johns' legacy? Do you agree that he is a pioneer of Welsh MMA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
