Kenny Florian hangs up his gloves: I had a great career, now it is time to move on

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