Eight-Time UFC Veteran Nick Catone Announces Retirement

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Nick Catone is retiring after a six-year UFC run.

The 33-year-old New Jersey native announced his decision Wednesday via Twitter following an initial report from MMAFighting.com. Catone was slated to lock horns with Vitor Miranda at UFC on Fox 15 on April 18. Promotion officials have yet to make an announcement regarding the bout.

“It was a great ride for the last [six-plus years] with [the UFC]. It’s time for me to step away,” Catone wrote. “I would like to thank [UFC President Dana White and UFC CEO Lorenzo Fertitta] for everything.”

In an interview with MMAFighting.com, Catone cited lingering back issues as the impetus behind his decision to call it a career.

Nicknamed “The Jersey Devil,” Catone exits the sport with a 10-4 professional record. He went 4-4 in the Octagon, notching victories over Derek Downey, Jesse Forbes, Costas Philippou and Tom Watson during his tenure.