Kennedy (photo via UFC.com)

By FCF Staff

Longtime middleweight contender Tim Kennedy has announced that he’s ending his MMA career, following his loss to Kelvin Gastelum last month.

The 37 year-old fighter was stopped by Gastelum in the third round at UFC 206. The fight was Kennedy’s first since his controversial, stoppage loss to Yoel Romero in 2014.

Recently the decorated soldier announced his retirement in a lengthy statement on Facebook. Here is some of what Kennedy had to say:

“…No matter how hard I trained, I knew this ride wouldn’t last forever. But saying it out loud definitely brought me both sadness that this chapter was complete and overwhelming relief that it’s a decision I could make without worrying about taking care of my family.

I had just lost to Kelvin Gastelum, a really respectful and hard-working young fighter who went out and did all the things I consider myself good at, but did them better. He actually reminded me of me when I was younger, except I was kind of a jerk back then. As losses go, I was kind of happy I lost to a guy like him.

A lot of my coaches, friends and fans immediately tried to build me up again. “Kelvin has the right skillset to beat you and it was your first fight back.” “You had ring rust.” “You’re still a top 10 middleweight.” I appreciated their comments and I don’t think they are wrong. I know I am still a good fighter. I know I was away a while. But they didn’t feel what I felt, and that’s being 37. I felt like I was in slow motion the entire match. I felt tired for the first time ever in a fight. I’m the guy that once graduated Ranger School – a place that starves you and denies you sleep for over two months – and took a fight six days later in the IFL and won. I’m the guy that is always in shape. And I was for this fight. I worked harder than I ever have before for this fight. But I wasn’t me anymore. My brain knew what to do but my body did not respond. I’ve watched other fighters arrive here. I’ve watched other fighters pretend they weren’t here. I will not be one of them…”

Kennedy retires having gone 18-6 since he turned pro back in 2001. Prior to his loss to Romero, the rugged fighter had won four straight, which included a decision win over current middleweight champ, Michael Bisping.