Uriah Hall, who shot to stardom while appearing on The Ultimate Fighter, has announced he is stepping away from the sport.
He made the announcement via a lengthy post on Instagram on Wednesday morning.
“It is with great sadness that I will be stepping away from the greatest sport in the world,” he wrote. “I’m going to miss the incredible UFC staff that has became like family and the mentors I have met along the way. The UFC has given me the Best opportunity to step completely outside my comfort zone. Throughout the years I’ve gone up against some of the best in the world at the highest level.”
Hall never quite reached the level of stardom many thought he could achieve, eventually leaving the sport on a 17-11 record. His final fight, a decision loss to André Muniz, happened at UFC 276 in July.
“Although I did not achieve the rank of world champion i’ve acquired some of my greatest achievements from mixed martial arts and that was facing my fears and being a champion in life,” he wrote. “I want to thank the incredible fans, you guys made the sport what it is today. It is important to have the right people around you that care for you and encourage you to become a better version of yourself. I want to thank my team my coaches my friends and my family always standing by me. You all have been the driving force that encouraged me daily. Lastly, I want to specifically thank Dana White for giving me the opportunity to collide with modern day gladiators. Thank you for always supporting me thru the good and the bad…To the next generation you are the top 1% greatest athlete’s on the planet. Will be a pleasure to watch where you all take this sport from here. I will be watching! Goforth.”
Uriah Hall ‘stepping away’ from MMA