Demetrious Johnson hangs up the gloves after an epic career in which he'll be remembered as one of MMA's all-time legends

LAS VEGAS -- The UFC had only five weight classes in 2010, so all fighters below lightweight signed to the promotion had to compete in World Extreme Cagefighting. On April 24, 2010, WEC had its first, and only, PPV card, featuring Jose Aldo and Urijah Faber in the main event.

Both of them would eventually wind up in the UFC Hall of Fame.

In the second bout on that card, though, was a little-known bantamweight who would eventually go on to overshadow both legends.

Demetrious Johnson dropped a unanimous decision in the second fight of the card that night, dropping not a hint about the spectacular run which was soon to come. 

Johnson went 4-1 in his next five, the final a loss to Dominick Cruz in a UFC bantamweight title fight. It was after that bout, though, that the world got to see the enormous talent Johnson had packed within. The UFC created a men's flyweight division in 2012, which allowed Johnson to compete in his natural weight class.

All he did in that run was not only to establish himself as arguably the greatest MMA fighter ever, but also to show unrivaled skills, dedication and class. Johnson would go 13-1-1 in his next 15, winning 13 in a row and going 12-1 in title fights. 

He didn't become a massive draw, and frequently seemed to be disrespected by the promotion, the media and many in the fan base. But Johnson never wavered in his determination to do things the right way. He conducted himself as a true martial artist, with a massive competitive spirit but just as much respect, dignity and class.

During his UFC flyweight run, he finished five bouts via submission and scored a pair of knockouts. When he finally surrendered the title, it was by split decision loss to Henry Cejudo, himself one of the greats in the sport's history.

He never caught on as a draw for whatever reason. He didn't court controversy. He didn't talk trash. He went out and fought to the best of his ability against flyweight fighters in the world, more often than not winning in dominant fashion. 

He was traded -- it's still hard to grasp that concept nearly six full years later -- to One Championship on Oct. 27, 2018, for Ben Askren. Johnson went 5-1 in One, losing to Adriano Moraes via flying knee knockout. He avenged that loss nearly five months later when he stopped Moraes, also by flying knee.

Johnson winds up with a 25-4-1 mark in his career, including 15-2-1 in the UFC; 2-1 in WEC and 5-1 in One. He left an amazing legacy in the sport and ranks among the best to ever do it.

Current UFC heavyweight and former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones is widely regarded as the greatest MMA fighter who ever lived. Johnson fits into the next level with legends like Georges St-Pierre, Anderson Silva, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Fedor Emelianenko.

The flyweight division is a vibrant class filled with talent and great potential bouts. For that, those men owe a debt of gratitude to Johnson for helping to pave the way.

He's gone, but he will never be forgotten. His next stop should be the UFC Hall of Fame.