UFC, WSOF Veteran Gerald Harris Announces Retirement from MMA

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Gerald Harris has retired from mixed martial arts.

The Ultimate Fighting Championship and World Series of Fighting veteran Tuesday announced his decision via social media.

“Thanks so much for the opportunity, but I have a family to take care of, so I'm going to have to walk away. I am retiring from mixed martial arts today,” wrote Harris. “I truly appreciate the support -- this is not a joke or a bluff. I am retiring with a win and what I consider a great career. Thanks everyone.”

Harris, 34, began his MMA stint in 2006 and went on to compete for the International Fight League before winning the Shark Fights middleweight title. “The Hurricane” joined the cast of “The Ultimate Fighter 7” in 2008 and then made his Octagon debut in 2010, going 3-1 in the UFC before receiving his release.

The Oklahoma native cut down to welterweight in 2012 and signed with the WSOF, dropping a unanimous decision to Josh Burkman at WSOF 1. However, Harris rebounded with a victory in his final in-cage appearance, outpointing former Sengoku champion Jorge Santiago last August at WSOF 4.