Following a string of retirement announcements, another mixed martial arts veteran has decided to hang up his gloves. This time around, The Ultimate Fighter alumni Josh Koscheck has called an end to his career within the sport.
The 40-year-old mixed martial arts veteran has put on a storied career within the sport. However, Koscheck has also found himself on a six fight losing streak.
Most recently, Koscheck faced a first round TKO loss to Mauricio Alonso in his Bellator MMA debut. Speaking on The Luke Thomas Show on Sirius XM, Koscheck has since come forward to announce his retirement.
“You never know, I might come back some day, but I appreciate that. The biggest thing about my mixed martial arts career, at the ending it didn’t go the way I wanted. It’s almost like you kind of just lose it, and it pains me to say that. It really, truly pains me as a fighter because I have a big ego – everybody that steps inside that cage has a big ego – but I truly didn’t have it.
“I couldn’t go out there and compete with these young guys. I felt great in the gym. I was in great shape. I don’t think I was ever in better shape than I was at 38, 39, and obviously 40, but I just didn’t have it.”
Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping was the first MMA notable to announce their retirement this month. Later, former UFC light heavyweight champion Rashad Evans announced his retirement on Monday, June 25.
Former UFC welterweight champion Johny Hendricks followed suit on Wednesday by announcing his retirement from the sport. UFC veteran Felipe Arantes has since also announced his retirement.
Within the past month, a grand total of five MMA notables have decided to hang up their gloves.
