Former UFC light heavyweight title contender Jimi Manuwa announced his retirement from mixed martial arts on social media Tuesday. Manuwa lost to Aleksandar Rakić by first-round knockout at UFC Fight Night in Stockholm, Sweden, on Saturday night. It was his fourth consecutive defeat.
"I've had a great martial arts career and the last four fights have been tough losses to take, not only for myself but for my family who is always first," Manuwa (17-6) said. "I've given out 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 ... I feel it's my obligation to give more to combat sports, which I love dearly outside of fighting."
Manuwa was a fan favorite for his exciting style. Only two of his 23 professional fights went the distance and he earned Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night bonuses on four occasions. The Nigerian, who moved to England at the age of 10 in 1990, began his professional career 15-1 before dropping five of his next seven.
He said martial arts "immediately put more structure and discipline into my crazy life and helped me become a much better person than I was previously." Manuwa later acknowledged those who helped him along the way.
"Thank you Dana White 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," Manuwa wrote. "Much love to the fans, and last but not least, much love to my dear family who together we made this dream a reality."
