UFC gloves (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)
Former Dana White Contender Series standout Joe Solecki took to Instagram to announce his retirement from mixed martial arts. In a heartfelt, message, Solecki announced the end of his decade-long journey to the No. 1 MMA promotion in the world.
“Today, after chasing this dream for 10 years, I am officially retiring from the sport of MMA,” Solecki wrote in the opening line of his message. I started this endeavor as a kid with a dream of making it to the UFC. It then grew into so many more goals and dreams, some of which I achieved and others where I fell short. In a way, despite falling short at times (especially this past year), I lived my movie.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – JANUARY 08: Joe Solecki poses for a portrait during a UFC photo session on … [+]
Solecki, 31 walks away from the sport with a 13-6 record in MMA and a 5-4 mark in the UFC. Unfortunately, Solecki’s career ends on a three-fight losing streak. Most recently, he lost a unanimous decision to Nurullo Aliev in January at UFC 311.
“Competing at the highest level in the UFC and grinding it out on the regional circuit to make it to the top have taught me more life lessons and things about myself, hard work, and determination than I ever could’ve imagined,” Solecki continued. “This avenue in life has helped me grow in so many ways as a man, athlete, husband, father, and most of all has helped me grow and develop deeper in my faith and relationship with God.”
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – APRIL 10: In this handout image provided by UFC, (L-R) Joe Solecki punches Jim … [+]
Solecki’s peak moment in the UFC came in April 2021 when he took a unanimous decision over legend and future Hall-of-Famer, Jim Miller. The victory had Solecki on a six-fight win streak and still undefeated in the UFC since earning his main roster spot on DWCS in July 2019 with a first-round submission win over James Wallace.
“I have made lifelong relationships that I’ll cherish forever, have experienced the amazing feeling of victory, the adversity of defeat and the joy of overcoming that adversity,” Solecki continued. “I have been able to go places and experience things I never even dreamed of because of this sport, all memories that I’ll also cherish.”
In the comment section of the post, former UFC fighters, Bryan Barbarena and Jamie Pickett paid their respects.
“I won’t be far away from the sport, as I look forward to being on the mats everyday both training still and coaching the next generation of martial artists at Gym-O,” Solecki announced. “I hope to play a small part in helping others experience these same things I mentioned above in their own lives. And you will certainly be seeing me competing in grappling soon, as competition will always be a part of me.”
Solecki will continue to play a role in the professional MMA scene and you may see him cornering a fighter or two at a UFC, PFL or for a regional promotion.
