Julie Kedzie Announces Retirement From MMA

Longtime mixed martial artist Julie Kedzie lost a close split decision to Bethe Correia at last night’s UFC Fight Night 33 in Brisbane, Australia. Kedzie put forth a gritty performance that some still feel should have gone her way.

But ultimately the judges didn’t feel that way and Kedzie was handed her fourth straight loss. After the main card bout was over, Kedzie announced her retirement from fighting via her Twitter page:

“Before walking out to my fight today, I had a long talk with my coach, and we decided that this would be my last MMA fight. I would have loved to have gone out on a win, but c’est la vie – don’t leave it to the judges. Heartbreak is a huge part of this sport. I really truly want to thank all of you for being a part of my journey as a fighter. I will still be involved in MMA for the rest of my life, but now it’s time for me to accept that I can give more to the sport by stepping back and taking role in helping to develop other fighters. From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the UFC, my team, and all of you who have made me achieve some amazing dreams.”

The 32-year-old Kedzie seems to have a good attitude about the loss and her retirement, knowing that the fight was to be her last regardless if she won or lost. With four straight losses in a rapidly filling UFC women’s bantamweight division, Kedzie probably made the right decision if her heart is not fully in the fight game.

She would have likely continued her downward spiral had she competed with less than full. Focus. Kedzie has been fighting professionally since 2004 and is one of the true pioneers of the female side of MMA. She faced top opponents like Miesha Tate, Alexis Davis, and even Gina Carano throughout her career.

“Fireball” is classy in retirement, accepting her defeat since she knows not to leave it in the hands of the judges. We here at LowKick wish her the best in all her future endeavors.