Former UFC title challenger retires at age 34

Cariaso (photo) retired from MMA. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC

The UFC flyweight division has lost one of its standout fighters. Chris Cariaso, who competed for the category belt in 2014, announced that he retired from the sport at the age of 34.

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The now former fighter stated that the decision was motivated by the simple desire to spend more time with his family and children. “After 22 years as an active fighter, I decided to end my career. It's a good and bad decision, as competing in a ring or cage is pretty much all I've done in my life. Honestly, my life is better than many can dream. I have two incredible children and I want to be a gift for them. I don't want to miss your football games or school performances. I want to take them cycling, I want to go camping with them and live more with my family”, said Cariaso, in an interview with the North American website “MMA Junkie”.

Cariaso had been a UFC fighter since 2011, the year in which the organization absorbed all athletes from the lighter categories coming from the WEC.”Kamikaze”, as he is known, fought against the champion, Demetrious Johnson, at UFC 178, and lost via submission in the second round. In his last three fights, Cariaso suffered three defeats, the last of which was against Sergio Pettis, in October 2015.

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