Ivan Salaverry Retires
Middleweight UFC veteran Ivan Salaverry has announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition following losses in three of his last four bouts including his most-recent loss to Rousimar Palhares at UFC 84 in May.
“The loss (to Palhares) had a portion of my decision to retire but it wasn’t the main reason why,” Salaverry told Sherdog.com. “The nature of this sport is that the new, younger guys come in and beat up the older guys. That’s just how it is. I think that once you lose that focus to continue fighting, that hunger, it’s time to let it go. I’m not going to be that 40-year-old-plus fighter struggling through small promotions and hanging on for dear life to those few remaining athletic years.”
Salaverry ends his career with a 12-7 record including notable wins over Andrei Semenov, Tony Fryklund, and Joe Riggs.
Nice to see someone who knows when it’s time to quit. Ken Shamrock should take notice.
a fighter who did not turn down fights, who showed up, who was a consummate professional, and who helped the sport evolve…he will be missed.
im glad he has the sense to know when its time to get out. others should take notice……..but wont.
Very true mburtoni.
Many others can take note too !
Thank You Ivan for every performance. You are a gentleman and I think all MMA fans wish you success in whatever is next for you…
He definatly needed to retire
Must be said loosing to a Palhares is far better on his resume than a loss to Robert “Buzz Berry” LOL !
You said it, mburtoni. “Mr International” should be taking notice as well.
yea…but ivan probably doesnt have the crack habit to support, which would demand that he fight for another 10 years.
Good attitude !
buzz berry is a beast haha sad to see a gud fighter go but prob right,
an if shamrock wants to fight i say let him get on with it respect for haveing the balls to step up at his age,people dont like him anyway so hes got nothing to lose
Retiring with great honor. I was almost convinced he was going to sign a 3-6 fight deal with Affliction.
The “hunger.” Well said… let’s hope Tito gets this message at some point soon.