14 December 2025

Welsh fighter Brett Johns has revealed exclusively to S4C that he is retiring from professional mixed martial arts - a decision he shares in an interview released on S4C’s digital platforms.

The announcement comes after his final bout last night (Saturday 13 December), where he faced Moldova/Ireland’s Nikolay “Slick Nick” Grozdev for the Way of the Warrior (WOW) Featherweight World Title in Madrid.

The interview, now available on S4C’s digital platforms, offers fans a candid look into the reasons behind his retirement and his reflections on a career spanning more than a decade, as Johns and his wife Carys prepare to welcome their second child.

Johns said:

“Fighting has been part of my identity for over for over 13 years.  I train once or twice a day.  I’ve seen the strain on my family, my wife working with a small child, and most of the time I’m out of the house working and training. 

“I just want everyone to know it isn’t an easy decision to finish, but it is the right decision.  Fighting has given me so much over the years and I’m incredibly grateful to the sport.  But I have to speak about my wife, who has been there every step of the way.  The sacrifice Carys has made, just sitting there, seeing what I went through.  Now I can see it wasn’t easy for her to watch everything.  But now is the time to spend more time with Carys, with Beti and with Giuseppe the dog.  And I just want to say thank you for the memories.  See you in the future.”

Johns’s final fight has drawn significant attention, as he chased a third world title after previous championship wins in Cage Warriors and Titan FC. His opponent, Grozdev, entered with a strong professional record and an active winning streak. Johns, a seasoned bantamweight, brought experience from leading promotions including the UFC, Bellator and the PFL.

The fight was broadcast live via WOW’s official broadcast and streaming partners.

The interview with Brett Johns announcing his retirement is available now on S4C’s digital platforms.

The interview with Brett Johns can be viewed here: Brett Johns yn cyhoeddi ei ymddeoliad | Welsh MMA great Brett Johns announces his retirement | S4C