UFC fighter Tom DeBlass has officially announced his retirement from the sport after his latest defeat in the Octagon.
DeBlass fought Riki Fukuda at ‘UFC On Fuel TV 6’ in China last weekend in his first ever bout at middleweight and lost by unanimous decision. That left him 0-2 in the UFC after having previously lost a majority decision to Cyrille Diabate earlier in the year and prompted his decision to hang up his gloves.
“After a lot of talk with my family and coaches, I have decided to retire from fighting and focus on my family, my academy and helping my students to achieve their goals,” DeBlass stated on Facebook. “I have had the opportunity to win the Pan American games, the No Gi World Championships, and National Championships, the Abu Dhabi trials and compete in Abu Dhabi. I have competed all over the world at 30 years old. I fought for Ring of Combat and won their titles. I made it to UFC in a year and a half.
“I know I am nowhere near my prime, however I feel my time is better spent elsewhere. At this time I feel it’s best for me to give my time to others, and spend more time with my family. The drive to keep fighting is not there any longer. I have an amazing academy and feel my students need my full attention. Maybe I will return to jiu-jitsu competition. Thanks to everyone for the support. It’s been an awesome ride. God bless.”
DeBlass bows out of the sport with a respectable career record of 7-2.
