Screengrab from UFC.com
Talk about quitting while you’re ahead.
Frankie Perez needed only 54 seconds to knock Sam Stout out and notch his first UFC victory, but with the crowd still abuzz from his technical knockout win, he called it a career.
The lightweight caught MMA fans off-guard as he announced his retirement shortly after his win un the undercard of UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan on Sunday (Monday Manila time).
“Me being at 26, this was my first win in the UFC and my last. I’m done after this, man. I brought my dreams to come true, and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’m done putting my family and body through all this,” Perez told broadcaster Jon Anik.
The 26-year-old Perez leaves the sport with a 10-2 record, and a 1-1 slate in the UFC.
He elaborated his decision in another report on MMA Junkie, though he hinted that he’s open to a possibility of fighting a few more bouts.
“It was (going to happen) regardless (of the outcome). Who knows what (will happen) later on the years, but I’m going to keep training. I’m going to go back, and I’ll be back in the gym this week,” said Perez. “I’m going to go home, have fun, enjoy my family, enjoy my dad, enjoy my sister, my brother, my niece, my mom, and go see my family in Miami. I just want to enjoy life for a little bit.”
Fortunately for him, he’s taking a $50,000 post-fight bonus home as his retirement bonus of sorts.