Bellator needs a new heavyweight champion.
Cole Konrad, who was undefeated in his MMA career, officially announced his retirement Thursday afternoon.
“I can’t say enough good things about my time with Bellator,” Konrad said in a statement. “I enjoyed every second of my time in the cage, and having a boss like Bjorn was a pleasure. Bellator does things the right way, and if I ever find myself back in the cage, there is no doubt in my mind it will be with Bellator.”
According to the release, Konrad plans to become an agricultural commodities trader.
“There are very few fighters in MMA who can completely control a fight like Cole Konrad could,” said Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney in the statement. “Cole’s a very smart and gifted individual, who will continue achieving excellence in everything he does. I wish Cole, his wife and family the very, very best as he moves into this new stage of his life. Cole was a great Bellator Champion, and now Sam and I will determine exactly how and when the new Bellator heavyweight champion will be crowned.”
Konrad, who was a two-time NCAA Division I national champion at Minnesota, last fought for Bellator this past May when he submitted Eric Prindle in the first round with a kimura.