It took Frankie Perez less than one minute to notch his first UFC victory. Five minutes later, he had retired from professional MMA.
In a surprise announcement, Perez, 26, told broadcaster Jon Anik and a national viewing audience that he was leaving the sport after knocking out Sam Stout in 54 seconds on the undercard of UFC Fight Night 74 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Perez leaves the sport with a record of 10-2.
“Me being at 26, man, this was my first win in the UFC and my last,” Perez told Anik. “I’m done after this, man. I brought my dreams to come true, and I’m ready for the next chapter in my life. I’m done putting my family and body through all this.”
Thanks for all the love and support guys couldn’t have done it with out my coaches, team, family and friends!! Love you all see you soon!!
— Team Frankie Perez (@TeamFrankieP) August 24, 2015
Wow. Frankie Perez, after winning via first-round TKO, suddenly retires during his post-fight interview.
— Ariel Helwani (@arielhelwani) August 24, 2015
After the fight, Perez spoke with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie about the decision, and though he reiterated his decision, he left the door open to a potential return down the road.
“It was [going to happen] regardless [of the outcome],” Perez told Bohn. “Who knows what [will happen] later on the years, but I’m going to keep training. I’m going to go back, and I’ll be back in the gym this week. … I’m going to go home, have fun, enjoy my family, enjoy my dad, enjoy my sister, my brother, my niece, my mom and go see my family in Miami. I just want to enjoy life for a little bit.”
Perez also added that he co-owns, along with his father, a DJ and clothing company, which prevents him from having to “live paycheck to paycheck like some of these fighters do.”
In any case, UFC officials certainly offered Perez an impressive gold watch of sorts, awarding him a $50,000 post-fight bonus for his performance.
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