Four-Time UFC Veteran Mark Godbeer Announces Retirement from MMA

British heavyweight Mark Goodbeer has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts following a 17-fight career.

The four-time UFC competitor announced his decision via Facebook:

"I'd like to thank you all for making the last ten years of my life an epic journey,, but now it's time to give my time and nrg into those around me that deserve it the most starting with my girls" he wrote. "I have achieved everything I set out to do and more.. now it's time to give a little back to those that gave me so much whilst supporting me... my time in the 4oz mitts are done. The screeding rails are being dusted off. On to the next journey of my life."



Godbeer was expected to make his light heavyweight debut against Luis Henrique Barbosa de Oliveira at UFC Fight Night 137 in Sao Paulo this past weekend but was forced to withdraw from the contest due to injury. The 34-year-old went 2-2 in UFC competition, besting Walt Harris and Daniel Spitz while falling to Dmitriy Sosnovskiy and Justin Ledet.

Godbeer also competed for the British Association of Mixed Martial Arts and Bellator while compiling a 13-4 career mark. He finished nine of his victories by knockout or technical knockout and two via submission.