Remember Martin Kampmann, Potato Chips (that’s what we call our readers now).
Seeing as he hasn’t fought in over a year, we kind of almost forgot he existed.
If you’re struggling to remember, Kampmann hasn’t fought since a 2013 TKO loss to Carlos Condit. Before that, he was knocked out by Johny Hendricks at UFC 154 in 2012.
Despite the inactivity and two-fight losing streak, Kampmann isn’t done (yet). He told MMA Fighting the following (emphasis added):
I’m still signed with the UFC, but I’m on an indefinite hiatus. I’m semi-retired, you might say. I’m taking a break and focusing on coaching, stuff like that. I’m still signed with the UFC, I still have a contract with the UFC, but I just don’t have any fights lined up and I don’t plan on having any fights lined up in the future, either. I’m focusing on coaching right now. I still love fighting so I’ll never say never, but I can’t see myself fighting anytime in the future right now. I’ve had my share of concussions and it’s not always fun. I took some fights where I shouldn’t have taken them, but I pushed through it and that was a mistake in retrospect. Can’t change that now, but now I’m trying to watch out for my health better than I’ve done in the past.
Someone might want to let Kampmann know the bolded parts of his speech are pretty much the definition of retiring from MMA.
But for real, good for Kampmann. He’s prioritizing his health–which more fighters should do–and he’s got a great coaching gig over at Team Alpha Male. We wish him the best.