Welshman Jack Shore has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts after opting not to re-sign with the UFC.
In a post on Instagram, the 29-year-old said he has “mentally checked out” from fighting, adding “injuries have caught up with me after a lifetime in the sport”.
Shore, nicknamed ‘Tank’, leaves the sport with a record of 17 wins from 20 fights.
“As what may come as a surprise to a few I’ve decided to hang up the gloves on my professional fighting career,” he said.
“After fighting out my contract and taking some time to think about what’s next, and although I had the chance to re sign with UFC, I’ve decided my time’s done.”
Shore was a former bantamweight champion in UK-based promotion Cage Warriors, before he signed for the UFC in 2019.
He fought nine times in the UFC, winning six fights.
Shore last fought against Youssef Zalal in November, suffering a second-round submission defeat.
“For the entirety of my 20’s, fighting and training was my life and sole focus, however, the last few weeks/months have shown this is no longer the case,” he added.
“And I always promised myself when I was mentality checked out I would retire from the sport rather than the sport retire me. Injures have caught up with me after a lifetime in the sport.
“I’m leaving with my mental [health] in check, good health, financially stable and am fully ready to move on to the future.”
In his lengthy post, Shore thanked the UFC, his family, friends, coaches and gym.
“What a journey,” he added. “For once, I can finally say I’m proud of what I’ve achieved and always did my best.
“Hopefully, when people think of Welsh MMA they’ll always think of Tank Shore. Big love to you all. Tank out.”
