Clementi

By FCF Staff

After participating in nearly 70 professional bouts, in over ten years of competition, UFC and Bellator veteran Rich Clementi has reportedly decided to retire. The 36 year-old fighter’s decision comes just days after he was tapped out by feared submission specialist Marcin Held at Bellator 81.

The Louisiana resident and Armed Forces vet has announced his decision via Facebook, according to a report from Mixed Martial Arts.com. The post, which was not accessible to the general public, reportedly stated:

Well, I guess this day had to come some time. Just wish it could have been on my terms but then again we all know that wouldn’t have happened because I would have always wanted just one more time under those lights.

I am so grateful for the things this sport has taught me. The friends, experiences and most of all learning who I am. I am so lucky I have a platform to share these experiences and help others try to reach their dreams. I want to thank everyone that has helped me in this experience.

Now it’s time to turn the page. That’s life and now the same drive will be passed off towards my guys and now I will be able to give more of me to them. I am very excited to see what the future has in store for me.

The loss to Held was Clementi’s first since 2011 and ended the veteran’s three fight win streak.

During his accomplished career, Clementi (45-22) faced several of the sport’s most established fighters, including Shinya Aoki, Gray Maynard, Melvin Guillard, Anthony Johnson, and Sam Stout among others.