Marcello (photo via Alchemist MMA.com)

By FCF Staff

After fighting professionally for over 15 years, UFC vet Cristiano Marcello has reportedly decided to hang up the gloves at the age of 36.

Marcello is coming off decision losses to Joe Proctor and Kazuki Tokudome, after defeating Reza Madadi in 2012.

The Brazilian fighter, and BJJ black belt under Royler Gracie, confirmed the news to Globo.com’s Combate and MMA Fighting. Marcello says that he intends to focus on coaching and his CM System.

The former Chute Boxe fighter made his pro debut in 1997, and has coached many of the team’s most famous students, including Anderson Silva, Wanderlei Silva, and “Shogun” Rua, among others.

Marcello retires having recorded a 13-6 record in MMA.