MMA veteran Cung Le announced his retirement from active competition this week.
The 42-year old athlete had a storied, high-profile kickboxing career before entering MMA in 2006 under the Strikeforce banner.
Le compiled a 9-3 professional MMA record across 8 years, winning the Strikeforce Middleweight title during that span, as well as multiple high-profile UFC victories.
In his last fight against Michael Bisping at UFC Fight Night 48 in August of 2014, Le lost by TKO and subsequently failed a drug test that was later overturned.
Last month, Le was named as a plaintiff in a class-action lawsuit filed against Zuffa, which included other former UFC fighters such as Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry. As of this writing, the case remains pending.
Le issued the following statement to the MMA media regarding his decision to hang up the gloves.
“After several months of thought and discussion with my wife and family we realize our future includes many things, but active competition in mixed martial arts is no longer one of them therefore I am officially announcing my retirement from active competition. Fighting will never be far from my heart and martial arts will always continue to be a part of my daily life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the career that I have been blessed with due in large part to all my fans and the many people who have helped me on my journey.
I want to personally thank my wife, Suzanne, my three Little Ninjas, my Mother, Sister and the rest of my incredible family for their support, prayers and inspiration. I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Scott Coker for his long-time friendship and support of my career, Gary Ibarra for your tenacity, to Khoa Do for everything, Scott Sheeley, you know, and to Jane Estioko, thank you for your loyalty. I’d also like to thank all of my past and present USH Team Family members, I am grateful for every round.
I’d like to recognize the UFC for the opportunity they have provided me, the sport of mixed martial arts, and more importantly the fans who love it, you will never be far from my heart. It has truly been my honor and my privilege to entertain you.”
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