Welsh MMA's 'pioneer' Johns hangs up the gloves

There is no more satisfying feeling for a fighter than going out on your own terms.

Sometimes the sport retires you before you can have a say in the matter, but sometimes you get the choice of when and how.

For Brett Johns, Saturday night marked the final bout of his 13-and-a-half-year professional career - one which saw him win two world titles and become the first Welshman to fight in the UFC.

While it was not the fairytale ending with a third world title he had hoped for - suffering a second-round stoppage defeat by Nikolay Grozdev - his legacy will remain.

'The Pikey' laid the foundations for many to follow, and Johns' coaches and peers have paid tribute.

"Working with Brett for me has been a massive privilege," said Jack Shore.

"It started as an amateur training with the best fighter in Wales and one of my idols.

"He joined my gym and not only became one of my main training fighters, but he's become one of my best friends."

Shore went on to make his UFC debut in September 2019, and became the first Welsh fighter to be ranked in the promotion, reaching 15 on the bantamweight rankings in March 2022.

"I've shared hours and 100s of rounds with Brett," added Shore.

"Not only is he the best fighter I've ever trained with, but he's one of the greatest people you could ever wish to meet, which means far more than any of his fighting accolades - which let's be fair are pretty good!

"He laid the foundations of Welsh MMA and has led the way for over 15 years.

"A true Welsh legend and still one of the best fighters in the world.

"I first met Brett when I was 19, totally starstruck after one of my amateur fights.

"I later got to train with Brett when I was 20 and have done ever since.

"The knowledge he shared with me on my way up, not just on the mats but also how to develop my character and how to go about this sport as you work your way up has no doubt played a massive part to where I am today.

"Without Brett, who knows if the path would have been as clear to get to the top of this sport from where we are from.

"Above all, he's an amazing human being and an amazing friend, my brother.

"A real people's champion and forever a MMA legend.

"He's one of the greatest and most influential Welshman of all time, thank you brother."

"The first time I met him I must have been about 15 or 16," said Pedersen.

"He was in the changing room coaching some other boys and I was starstruck like 'Oh my God that's Brett Johns Cage Warriors champion', so I didn't really speak to him that night.

"I ended up going down on the Friday to train with him at his dad's judo gym, and obviously I sparred with him, he manhandled me and I thought 'Oh my God this guy is next level', which obviously he is.

"I started to train with him on the regular, next thing you know I moved to Swansea, started training with him full time."

Pedersen says he is really grateful for everything he has experienced with Johns.

"What he's done for my career is second to none.

"To have that type of mentor where you know you're training with one of the best fighters in the world gives you confidence through and through and the tips he's given me over the years, not just in fighting but in life, it's always going to stick with me and will always go a long way."

"What he's done for the sport just in Wales, again second to none.

"He's fought some of the best fighters in the world and beat some of the best fighters in the world.

"He's genuinely like my older brother, the guy is an icon, living legend."

Pedersen believes Johns could still go again if he wanted to.

"The mad thing is he's not slowing down.

"In training, he's 33 now, he feels better than ever so he could probably decide to do whatever he wants.

"Whatever he does decide to do I'll be happy for him and back him all the way, living legend."

"I have been fortunate to be able to watch Brett Johns' career from his very first fight on my event, right up to date," said Shore.

"He is one of the Welsh GOATS, and a pioneer, the first Welshman to ever compete on a UFC event.

"His accomplishments are second to none.

"I believe his most impressive achievement is having two fights on the same night, fighting eight full rounds to become the Cage Warriors world champion.

"Not many men on this planet could even dream about doing that."

Shore was also quick to speak to the character of Johns as a person.

"He is the perfect professional both in and out of the cage, a great fighter and an even greater man.

"Any young fighter looking to have a successful MMA career should look to him as the blueprint for success.

"If this was his last fight he has my blessing, but... never say never."

After 27 professional bouts and two world title wins, Johns and his wife now look forward to welcoming their second child in February.