Alan Belcher

By FCF Staff

Another UFC veteran has reportedly announced their retirement, as Alan Belcher has confirmed he’s hanging up the gloves at the age of 31.

The former middleweight contender, who hasn’t fought since he was defeated by Michael Bisping in 2013, announced his retirement on Periscope. According to a report from MMA Fighting.com, here is some of what Belcher had to say about his decision:

“I really feel like talking to instructors and gym owners, business owners is my calling now,” Belcher said. “That’s what I really want to do…I really believe that I could go down that road and fight again, but this is more important to me. I like teaching martial arts. I want to continue teaching students all over the world in my online businesses…

“So this is my official retirement. That’s it. I’m not really going to shed a tear or anything. I’m done. I don’t care. I don’t want to get hit anymore.”

Belcher joined the UFC in 2006, and a couple of years later, entered the title shot picture by winning four straight. In 2012, Belcher was defeated by Yushin Okami for the second time, and lost to Bisping several months later.

The noted finisher, who battled injuries later in his career, went 18-8 in professional MMA.