Duquesnoy announces retirement from MMA

The European prospect is hanging up his gloves for good.

Once a top prospect at 135 pounds, Tom Duquesnoy is walking away from mixed martial arts.

Duquesnoy, 25, announced his retirement from the sport Sunday in an Instagram post.

“Today I decide to go on a different path that attracts me a lot more and that takes me a big part of my energy,” Duquesnoy wrote. “My new activities are such that I can not be fully devoted to high level training. I respect that sport too well to engage in half-hearted and that is why I am at a crossroads where it is essential for me to focus on what passionates me the most.”

Duquesnoy retires with a 2-1 record in the UFC and 16-2, 1 NC record in pro MMA. He made his highly-anticipated Octagon debut in 2017, when he defeated Patrick Williams. “Fire Kid” fell short to Cody Stamann in his next outing, but rebounded early last year with a decision over Terrion Ware. He has not fought since.

Duquesnoy, born in France, was considered one of the most promising bantamweights when he signed with the UFC two years ago. He was the BAMMA bantamweight and featherweight champion.

Duquesnoy wrote that his decision to leave MMA is “good for me and comes from deep inside my heart.”

Duquesnoy made it clear in his post that his “journey” will continue — and he hopes his fans will follow him in his new ventures — but did not elaborate on what will come next in his life.

“I am already happy to feel your support in this new chapter of life dedicated as you know, to the teaching of the MMA techniques but ABOVE ALL, the spiritual aspect of the martial arts and the inner quest,” Duquesnoy wrote.