‘Joker’ Retires Following ‘Fight for the Troops 2’ Loss

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Michael Guymon’s career as a professional mixed martial artist is officially over.

The welterweight on Tuesday confirmed his retirement from MMA to Sherdog.com, after initially announcing his decision on MMA Junkie Radio.

Guymon lost three of his last four fights, most recently falling to DaMarques Johnson at Saturday’s UFC “Fight for the Troops 2.” Competing before roughly 3,200 members of the U.S. Armed Forces at Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas, Guymon succumbed to a first-round Johnson body triangle. Flattened out on his belly, Guymon was forced to submit to Johnson’s crushing grip around his waist, which caused injuries to Guymon’s ribs and lower back. Guymon told Sherdog.com that the injuries are not serious and will heal in approximately four weeks.

Nicknamed for his devious smile’s resemblance to that of a comic book villain, “The Joker” competed in the sport for over a decade. Beginning his career in 1999, Guymon made his mark fighting mostly for King of the Cage, earning the promotion’s welterweight title before receiving the call to compete in the UFC last year.

The 36-year-old Californian fell in his promotional debut to young gun Rory MacDonald at UFC Fight Night 20, submitting to an armbar. His sophomore effort proved successful, however, as Guymon earned a unanimous decision against Yoshiyuki Yoshida at UFC 113. His last effort of 2010 would result in a loss, as Guymon was caught in a Daniel Roberts anaconda choke at UFC 121 in October.

Outside of the cage, Guymon has suffered personal problems, culminating in an admitted 2009 suicide attempt. Since the incident, the fighter has found help, as evidenced by his 2010 run with the UFC. Along with his wife, Guymon owns and operates his own gym, Joker’s MMA, in Lake Forest, Calif.