By FCF Staff
In a move that will likely surprise many, veteran fighter and accomplished BJJ practitioner Ricardo Almeida has announced his retirement from professional MMA. The 34 year-old-fighter confirmed the decision via his official website.
“After much deliberation since my fight at UFC 128 I have decided to step away from the sport as a fighter.”
“I will continue to fully support the UFC as a coach and of course as a big fan. I would like to thank Lorenzo Fertitta and Dana White for their leadership and vision which brought the sport to new heights. I would also like to thank Joe Silva for giving me the opportunity to compete among the best martial artists in the world.”
Almeida’s retirement comes just days removed from a unanimous decision loss to Mike Pyle on March19th. Almeida has gone 5-3 in the UFC since he returned to competition in 2008, after a near four year, long hiatus from fighting. (Pictured: Almeida (left) sharing a moment with Yuki Kondo)
“Back in 2008 I decided to return to MMA. Since then I have had the privilege of fighting eight times in the UFC. As a competitor I can think of no bigger thrill than to stand in the center of the octagon with my hands raised.”
“During these almost four years it has been a personal struggle to find balance between my fighting career, caring for my son who was diagnosed with autism soon after I signed a six-fight deal with the UFC, teaching at my growing Jiu Jitsu Academy and the family duties we all have.”
During Almeida’s (13-5) decade plus long career, the Renzo Gracie black belt recorded wins over notable fighters like Kazuo Misaki, Ikuhisa Minowa, Kendall Grove, Matt Horwich and Matt Brown. In addition, Almeida defeated Nate Marquardt in November, 2003, to become the middleweight King of Pancrase.
