• UFC 137

Defeated Penn retires from the Octagon

ESPN staff
October 30, 2011
BJ Penn has ended his UFC career © Getty Images
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Experienced welterweight BJ Penn announced his retirement from MMA after suffering unanimous decision defeat to Nick Diaz at UFC 137.

Penn, whose career arguably peaked when he became only the second fighter ever to win titles at two different divisions (welterweight and lightweight), decided it was time to call it a day after being overwhelmed by Diaz during the final few rounds of their contest on Saturday.

The 32-year-old fighter has a young family and does not want his children to see him subjected to the rigours of his trade any more.

"Hats off to Nick Diaz, he was the man in there tonight," the Hawaii-born man said after his defeat. "But it's time for me to call it a day. I have a daughter, another on the way, and i don't want to go home looking like this."

Diaz, who set himself up for a title shot with the impressive victory in Las Vegas, paid tribute to a fighter he has long admired.

"B.J. is the man," he said. "I always loved watching him fight."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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