(This article is updated with the latest information.)
Mixed Martial Arts is a dynamic and ever-changing sport with athletes constantly joining and leaving. Many fighters from the generation that popularized MMA are now retiring from competition, choosing to end their careers and move on to the next stage of their lives.
However, retirements in combat sports are famously often temporary. The competitive spirit, and perhaps more importantly, the financial incentive, frequently tempt fighters to return even when they are past their prime.
2025 has already seen a number of prominent fighters announce their departure from the sport. Below is an ongoing list of those who have decided to retire this year (this list will be updated as more retirements are announced).
Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz
MMA Debut Date: Jan. 29, 2005
Retirement Date: Feb. 6, 2025
Age: 39
Record: 24-4
Notable Wins: Urijah Faber, T.J. Dillashaw, Demetrious Johnson, Joseph Benavidez
Bill Algeo
Bill Algeo
MMA Debut Date: June 1, 2012
Retirement Date: Feb. 11, 2025
Age: 35
Record: 18-9
Notable Wins: Alexander Hernandez, Joanderson Brito, Herbert Burns
Julia Avila
Julia Avila
MMA Debut Date: Jan. 27, 2012
Retirement Date: Feb. 15, 2025
Age: 36
Record: 9-4
Notable Wins: Pannie Kianzad, Nicco Montano
Joe Solecki
Joe Solecki
MMA Debut Date: Oct. 29, 2016
Retirement Date: Feb. 17, 2025
Age: 31
Record: 13-6
Notable Wins: Jim Miller, Matt Wiman, Austin Hubbard
Bibiano Fernandes
Bibiano Fernandes
MMA Debut Date: Oct. 23, 2004
Retirement Date: Feb. 20, 2025
Age: 44
Record: 25-6
Notable Wins: Kevin Belington, Joachim Hansen, Joe Warren
Martin Nguyen
Martin Nguyen
MMA Debut Date: July 28, 2012
Retirement Date: Feb. 20, 2025
Age: 35
Record: 15-7
Notable Wins: Christian Lee, Eduard Folayang, Marat Gafurov
Jalin Turner
Jalin Turner
MMA Debut Date: Feb. 20, 2016
Retirement Date: March 8, 2025
Age: 29
Record: 14-9
Notable Wins: Bobby Green, Brad Riddell
Molly McCann
Molly McCann
MMA Debut Date: May 30, 2015
Retirement Date: March 22, 2025
Age: 34
Record: 14-8
Notable Wins: Diana Belbita (twice), Hannah Goldy, Ariane Lipski, Priscila Cachoeira
