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(This story was updated to add new information.)
MMA is a constantly evolving sport with a revolving door of athletes entering and exiting. Currently, fighters from the era who helped make the sport so popular are beginning to trickle away from competition and hang up their gloves in order to move on to the next 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 perhaps more importantly get a payday, will continue to drive fighters back even well beyond their expiration dates.
2024 has already seen a number of notable fighters announcing they are done with the sport, and we have a list of those who have opted to walk away this year (the list will update as new 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
Jalin Turner
MMA debut date: Feb. 20, 2016
Retirement date: March 8, 2025
Age: 29
Record: 14-9
Notable wins: Bobby Green, Brad Riddell
Source: UFC 313 cageside announcement
Molly McCann
MMA debut date: May 30, 2015
Retirement date: March 22, 2025
Age: 34
Record: 14-8
Notable wins: Diana Belbita (twice), Hannah Goldy, Ariane Lipski, Priscila Cachoeira
Source: UFC Fight Night 255 in-cage announcement
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