Ana Julaton in the One Championship. Contributed Photo
Former boxing world champion Ana Julaton has decided to step away from the sweet science and mixed martial arts after a professional career that spanned more than 10 years.
Julaton announced her retirement Thursday through a lengthy message her Instagram account, saying that it was time for her to leave the world of combat sports while thanking those who helped her along the way.
She extended her gratitude to long time promoter Allan Tremblay, Bellator President Scott Coker and promoter Lou DiBella as well as Heather Hardy, her last opponent in Bellator.
“As a competitor inside the ring and cage, I’m confident in leaving combat sports fully knowing there are so many wonderful, passionate and hardworking women continuing to carry the torch as a guiding light for the bright future of our arena,” wrote Julaton.
“For all who have been positive and continue to create a stage for all my sisters in the arts, all the organizations I have fought for thank you.”
Julaton became the WBO World Female super bantamweight champion in June 2010 before she lost to Yesica Patricia Marcos in March of 2012.
Although she signed with MMA promotion ONE Championship in 2014, she was still a professional boxer until her last fight in the ring in March 2017 that ended in a draw against Maria Jose Nuñez.
Julaton finished her boxing career 14-4-3, while her MMA stint was a lackluster one, ending at 2-4 including three straight losses in her final bouts.