UFC promise surprises and announces early retirement: 'I can't continue like this'

C. Vlismas achieves second victory in Ultimate. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc

Considered one of the biggest promises in the UFC strawweight division (52,1 kg), Cheyanne Vlismas announced her early retirement at the age of 30. The reason is far from an injury or physical decline: the impossibility of reconciling high-level competition with full-time dedication to her two young children. The news was announced by the fighter herself in an emotional statement on Instagram.

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“As of today, I am officially retired. This decision comes with a heavy heart […] As difficult as it may be, my children will always come first. I haven’t been able to fulfill all my dreams, but I have reached the highest level, and now I choose to give everything I have to be a mother,” declared the fighter.

'My time is delicate'

The final trigger was the arrival of his second child. Vlismas explained that the logistics of a training camp, which requires around two months of exclusive dedication away from home, became unfeasible.

“After having my second child, my time is very limited. I’m not able to give 100% to my training without giving less of myself to my babies […] My decision came down to: could I leave my kids for two months for a camp? I just can’t do that,” she concluded.

Vlismas's MMA career was full of expectations. Discovered on the Contender Series, a talent-scouting program run by UFC president Dana White, she quickly rose to prominence in the UFC, where she earned two performance bonuses and a record of seven wins and three losses.