UFC featherweight fighter Jack Shore has announced his retirement from the professional mixed martial arts world.
The 29-year-old from Wales, Shore wrote on his Instagram account Wednesday that after spending time with family and friends following a November loss to Youssef Zalal at UFC Edmonton, he took the decision to hang up the gloves.
“After completing my contract and considering my next steps, it became clear to me that my career in professional fighting is now over,” Shore said.
He concludes his 20-fight professional career with a record of 17 wins and 3 losses, having lost three of his last four fights by interruption and posting a record of 0-2 this year. He was submitted by Zalal in the second round during their 145-pound clash about six weeks ago. His start to the 2024 campaign was marked by an unexpected technical stoppage loss to Joanderson Brito in May at UFC 301, due to a cut leg caused by kicking.
Before making his UFC debut in 2019, Shore had racked up an impressive 11-win undefeated record and won the bantamweight title with Cage Warriors before signing with the UFC.
Shore had started his UFC career off to a flying start with a 5-0 record. However, following a 2022 submission loss to Ricky Simon, he decided to move up to featherweight, where he has gone 1-2 over the past two years against bigger competition.
“I can honestly say that in every fight, I gave my best in training and competition, never saying no or asking questions, just keeping my head down, staying true to myself- even and achieving more than I ever imagined,” added Shore. “For the majority of my twenties, fighting and training was my life and my only priority, however the last few weeks/months have shown me that is no longer the case. I had always promised myself that when I was no longer mentally present, I would leave the sport rather than be pushed out by it.
“(Injuries) caught up with me after a life spent in sport. I leave with peace of mind, in good health, financially stable and ready to embrace the future.”
Shore also clarified that he had the opportunity to renew his contract with the UFC this year, but declined. He thanked the organization for allowing him to live out his childhood dream.
As a fighter, I completely understand Jack Shore’s reasons for retiring. After a demanding career, marked by impressive victories but also by injuries and defeats, it is essential to preserve your mental and physical health. The MMA industry can be stressful, and at a certain point it is vital to realize that fighting should not become an obligation or a source of stress. I think it’s important for any athlete to know when it’s time to move on and focus on a new future, while keeping in mind the valuable lessons and experiences gained in the octagon.
Canada
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