Jimi Manuwa announces retirement after UFC Stockholm

J. Manuwa (photo) announces retirement from MMA. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @pb1_

The UFC Stockholm card, held last Saturday (1), in Sweden, was responsible for retiring three Ultimate athletes. After the announcement of Alexander Gustafson and Nick Hein, today, it was Jimi Manuwa's turn to say goodbye to the Octagon. The athlete confirmed the news in a post on his official Instagram account, this Tuesday morning (4). The British-Nigerian had not won a fight since 2017 and was defeated by the Austrian Aleksandar rakic last weekend after a brutal knockout.

See too

Back in the UFC, Nate Diaz says he is not interested in a trilogy against Conor McGregor

Paige VanZant confirms new arm surgery and postpones her return to the octagon

Nick Hein follows in the footsteps of Alexander Gustafsson and announces retirement after UFC Stockholm

“I had a great career in MMA and, in the last four fights, I had tough defeats and I had to make the decision, not only for myself, but for my family, who always comes first,” wrote the athlete. “I gave a lot of knockouts, but I also took some. That's what my fans like about my style, but it takes a toll on your body, especially concussions that can't be seen with the naked eye."

Thinking about his health and the need for physical and mental rest, the athlete then realized that it was the ideal time to say goodbye to the sport he practiced for more than 10 years.

“It’s time to close this chapter and move on to the next one, because there is a life after fighting and I feel like it’s my obligation to do more for the sport, but without having to fight,” Jimi posted.

The, now former fighter, also took the opportunity to thank UFC president, Dana White and the company itself for the years of service provided. After all, Manuwa had been an athlete for the organization since 2012.

“Thank you, Dana White and Ultimate for letting me show my skills. And thank you to my coaches and training partners who helped me along the way. Much love to the fans and, last but not least, to my family, who have always been by my side and made this dream a reality.

At 39 years old, Manuwa leaves MMA with a record of 23 fights, 17 wins and six losses. From 2008 to 2014, the athlete went on to establish a streak of 14 consecutive victories, until he was stopped by Alexander Gustafson No. UFC London. Jimi was known for his aggression and knockout power. Of his 17 wins, 15 were by knockout.

 

View this photo on Instagram

 

I came to London from Nigeria when I was 10 yrs old in 1990. I grew up in south London and had crazy teenage years filled with fights and life lessons. In 2006 i was 26 years old and i discovered the ufc while flicking through the sports channels late at night, it immediately captured me, the likes of rampage jackson, tito ortiz, randy couture, shogun were my favorite fighters and i became a fan instantly . i'd never set foot in any martial arts gym in my life and neither didn't have any plans to. In 2008 i was 28 years old and i told myself that i'm gonna fight for the ufc. i got off my sofa and started training muay thai and bjj, i had no martial arts experience but i was a tough cunt from south london. Martial arts immediately put more structure and discipline into my crazy life and helped me become a much better person than I was previously. I had my first pro fight after 2 weeks training and I won. within the first 2 years i was uk number 1, but the goal was to fight for the ufc. I won all my fights by ko and in 2012 I accepted a UFC contract after turning them down twice with an 11-0 record all knockouts. I have had a great martial arts career and the last 4 fights have been tough losses to take not only for myself but for my family who is always first, I have given out a mostly knockouts and taken a few myself, that's my fan loving style but it takes a toll on the body especially concussions which are not visible to the eye i've met a lot of great people along the way and traveled the world but it's time to leave this chapter and on to the next one because there's a life after fighting and i feel it's my obligation to give more to combat sports which i love dearly outside of fighting. Thank you @danawhite and the @ufc for letting me showcase my skills and thank you to all my coaches and training partners who have helped and taught me along the way, much love to the fans and last but not least much love to my dear family who together we made this dream a reality. Jimi POSTERBOY Manuwa PB1 🦁 … stay tuned 😉

A publication shared by Jimi Manuwa (@pb1_) in Jun 4, 2019 at 4:50 am PDT

Fatal change? Makhachev ignores warning and could end tragically at welterweight!