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(This story was updated so as to add recent information.)
MMA is a continuously evolving sport with a revolving door of athletes entering and exiting. Currently, fighters from the era who helped make the game so popular are starting to trickle away from competition and hang up their gloves with a purpose to move on to the following chapter in life.
If there’s one thing that’s well-known about combat sports retirements, though, it’s that they often don’t last long. The urge to compete, and maybe more importantly get a payday, will proceed to drive fighters back even well beyond their expiration dates.
2024 has already seen various notable fighters announcing they’re done with the game, and we’ve a listing of those that have opted to walk away this yr (the list will update as recent retirements are announced).
Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz
MMA debut date: Jan. 29, 2005
Retirement date: Feb. 6, 2025
Age: 39
Record: 24-4
Notable wins: Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, Demetrious Johnson, Joseph Benavidez
Source: Social media announcement
Bill Algeo
Bill Algeo
MMA debut date: June 1, 2012
Retirement date: Feb. 11, 2025
Age: 35
Record: 18-9
Notable wins: Alexander Hernandez, Joanderson Brito, Herbert Burns
Source: Social media announcement
Julia Avila
MMA debut date: Jan. 27, 2012
Retirement date: Feb. 15, 2025
Age: 36
Record: 9-4
Notable wins: Pannie Kianzad, Nicco Montano
Source: UFC Fight Night 251 broadcast
Joe Solecki
Joe Solecki
MMA debut date: Oct. 29, 2016
Retirement date: Feb. 17, 2025
Age: 31
Record: 13-6
Notable wins: Jim Miller, Matt Wiman, Austin Hubbard
Source: Social media announcement
Bibiano Fernandes
MMA debut date: Oct. 23, 2004
Retirement date: Feb. 20, 2025
Age: 44
Record: 25-6
Notable wins: Kevin Belington, Joachim Hansen, Joe Warren
Source: ONE Championship 171 broadcast
Martin Nguyen
MMA debut date: July 28, 2012
Retirement date: Feb. 20, 2025
Age: 35
Record: 15-7
Notable wins: Christian Lee, Eduard Folayang, Marat Gafurov
Source: ONE Championship 171 broadcast
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