Kyle Noke fought in his home country this weekend, and after losing a decision to Omari Akhmedov, the long time UFC veteran decided to announce his retirement. The loss marked his 3rd in a row, and he initially took to social media to announce that he will be hanging up the gloves.
Thank you to the @ufc and all the fans. It’s time to hang up the gloves. Ive had a blessed life doing what I love. I Wouldn’t change a thing
— Kyle Noke (@KyleNoke) November 27, 2016
Noke also spoke about his decision after the event, which you can watch on the clip above.
“I did kinda have it in my head before the fight, which isn’t probably the best thing going into the fight,” Noke said. “But the fight just proved it to me. I’m just not as fast as I used to be. Not as good.
“I had a great time in the sport, but it’s time to do something else now.”
The 36-year-old said it’s time for him to focus on his family, but as one of the bigger stars from the Australian MMA scene, he does still want to be a part of the sport in some capacity.
“I’d love to still be involved in the sport in any way possible. I still love the sport. I’m still passionate about it,” he said. “I just don’t think I can hang in there anymore, but if there’s any opportunity to be involved, then put me in.”
Noke hangs it up after having 33 MMA bouts in a 14-year career. He joined the UFC back in 2010, going 6-6 in the promotion and 22-10-1 overall.
