Kenny Florian hangs up his gloves: I had a great career, now it is time to move on
Posted on June 1, 2012, 12:14 AM by Mike Searson
It is official, Kenny Florian (16-6, 12-5 UFC) has retired from fighting. Florian made his announcement after the weigh-ins for “The Ultimate Fighter Live” finale.
UFC President Dana White made the initial announcement: “He’s been an amazing fighter, an amazing ambassador for this sport and for this company, and now going on to bigger and better things as a commentator."
Florian told the crowd: “It’s something I’ve been grappling with for a while. When I look back on my career, I’ve had a great career. Now it’s time to move on and pursue other things. I'm so thankful I'm able to do commentary and shows like 'UFC Tonight' here for the UFC, FUEL and FOX."
Florian currently works as a UFC color commentator for the fights on FX and FUEL TV as well as a co-host of UFC Tonight on FUEL TV.
Florian's retirement stems from an injury he suffered last November, while lifting weights: a lumbar herniated disc in his lower back. Doctors advised him earlier this year that his fight career would be in jeopardy. Florian said: “I’ve dealt with injuries in the past and back in November I was back into training and I hurt my back working out, and it just hasn’t quite been the same. I’ve been dealing with it, trying to get back, rehab and things like that and a few weeks ago kind of re-injured it again. So it’s been tough.”
Florian was a finalist on the first season of The Ultimate Fighter. Although he never held a title in the UFC, he was one of the promotions most technical and analytical fighters. A skill he has ported over to his role as a commentator. A role which we hope to see him in as long as there is a UFC.
Too many people to thank but love you all. Fighting was & is my life. I'll be watching, studying, writing, talking & coaching. #MMA #BJJ
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) June 1, 2012
Comments
god damn it i was looking forward for a flyweight cut!!!
Dammit! now we have to listen to his terrible annoying commenting!
I actually prefer him over Joe Rogan as he has actually experienced fighting in the cage and therefore often makes more sense then Rogan does.
Hey J@ckass. Florian's "commenting" (duh) is on point and very well done. Get a clue.
It's not his commentary that's the problem, I think he and John Anik just don't make a great announcing team, especially since they both have very similar sounding voices and speaking styles. A three man team with Florian, Rogan and Goldie would be great.
Or get him and either Bas Rutten or Mike Schiavello.
I'd prefer to never listen to Schiavello again if possible. That guy is terrible.
I guess BJ can also retire with his belt, since Kenny no longer wants it.
you suck. Dont make a joke about a great fighter who just lost his dream man.
You bastards
kenny came so close to getting a title. One of the decent guys in the sport.
Agreed. I knew retirement was near for him...was hoping he'd get to do it in a post-fight Rogan interview. Either way, thanks for pouring your heart in the cage for us all these years Kenny!
Retired, but will never leave the scene I bet. A good thing.
No surprise there, as much as Kenny will say he loved fighting, truth is he always wanted a title but has come to realization that he will never be champion in the UFC. Smart decision on his part, fighting just for a paycheck isn't for everyone, he's protecting his health plus he's an asset to the UFC beyond fighting. Good luck to him I look forward to seeing how his commentary skills progress.
No real surprise, this one has been coming for awhile. Kudos to a nice guy and a very good fighter who went a long way on an fairly average skill set.
I don't mind Kenny as a commentator. He's smart and obviously knows the sport but tends to have a specific idea of how the fight is going to and gets stuck in that perception.
But he's fairly new to the game and hopefully will improve as much as he did as a fighter.
i sence rogan will be releaved of his duties soon and florian to take over...watch this space
(for the record, i hate florian commentating and love rogan...just can see it happening)
lol no way Jose. Dana White loves Rogan and Goldberg, Goldie will be first to go(I hope).
One of the best UFC fighters never to get the gold. He always went 100% in his fights, tried to make them exciting and went for the finish.
He only lost to the best of the best - Sherk when he was in his prime, BJ when he was one of the best fighters alive, Gray who is a top ranked fighter and when all he did was use wrestling, Aldo who is top 4 P4P.
Definitely in my top 5 all time favourite fighters. I'm extremely glad he will still be around the UFC, especially as a commentator.
Good luck to Kenny "I finish fights" Florian, he fought for the fans and deserves our respects.
One of the truest "Martial Artists" in the sport as well.
Sad moment :(