J. Fitch announced his retirement from MMA after defeat at Bellator 246. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
The defeat for Neiman Gracie last Saturday (12), at Bellator 246, ended up being decisive for an important decision for veteran Jon Fitch. Submitted by the Brazilian in the second round, the 42-year-old athlete announced his retirement from MMA and spoke calmly about the decision after the setback.
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“I'm having fun, but at the same time, my body no longer reacts the way I want it to. Recovery is not the same. I don't want to take a dirty path, so I think it's a great moment. 32 wins, eight defeats, two draws and one fight without result. Very good. I won titles, I won and Neiman is a great fighter and a great guy. I hope he continues to improve and becomes champion. It would be incredible”, said the veteran in an interview with 'MMA Junkie'.
A professional in MMA since 2002, Fitch had a successful career and experienced the peak of his career when he challenged for the UFC welterweight belt (up to 77kg.) against Georges St.Pierre, in 2008. Known worldwide for his consistency in combat, the athlete also played in WSOF, PFL and, in recent years, put on Bellator gloves. The American then recalled important moments in his career in mixed martial arts.
“The two biggest moments (of my career) were the fight against GSP (St.Pierre) and when I fought in Brazil (against Eric Silva), because of everything that involved those fights. Everything was incredible. The fight for the belt in the 'World Series of Fighting' (WSOF), face Jake Shields at Madison Square Garden. That fight was incredible,” he commented.
Finally, Fitch assessed his trajectory in the sport as positive. For the athlete, he leaves the sport with his head held high, aware that he has, in some way, left his mark wherever he goes.
“It was wild. I didn't have time to sit down and reflect on why I was involved, but I'm proud of everything I did. A few mistakes here and there along the way, but it was a good journey. It’s something for my children to look at and admire when they’re old enough to understand,” he concluded.
On his social networks, Jon released a video that recorded his entrance to what marked his last fight in his career.
“Last time making the entrance. Most will never know what it feels like. I will remember this forever. It won’t be the last time they see me, but it is the last time they watch me fight a man in his underwear,” she wrote.
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