Perez gets first UFC win, immediately retires from fighting
Following a dramatic first-round knockout to beat Sam Stout on Sunday night, Frankie Perez celebrated his win by announcing his retirement from fighting and the UFC.
Perez moved his UFC record to 1-1 with the victory over Stout, but stated following the fight that his dream was to win a bout inside the Octagon.
Now that he accomplished that feat, Perez is happy moving onto the next phase of his life.
“It’s all about my family. I’ve dedicated my life to this sport since I was 17 — and I’m 26 now.” Perez told FOX Sports commentator Jon Anik. “I’ve never taken a year off, or even a break. I’ve been fighting non-stop since I was 17. I’m just ready for the next chapter. I want to open up a school, find a girl and make some babies.”
At just 26 years old, Perez appeared to be a solid prospect coming out of the same training camp that produced Frankie Edgar and fellow lightweight contender Edson Barboza.
Perez stated that the wear and tear on his body along with the stress he puts on his family from fighting was enough for him to decide to go a different route for his career moving forward.
“I’m still going to train and help my teammates. I’m going to help Edson Barboza get his lightweight title and help Frankie Edgar to get that featherweight title.” Perez said.
“Why knows? Maybe years down the road I’ll want to do it again. Right now I need a break."
Perez earned his way to the UFC with an impressive run through the regional fight scene while amassing a 9-1 record overall.
He lost in his debut fight to fellow lightweight Johnny Case back in January in a bout he took on short notice for the chance to compete in the UFC.
Now eight months later, Perez is a first-time UFC winner and that will stand as his only victory in the Octagon after calling it a career on Sunday night.
