UFC veteran speaks out following retirement
Retirement is a natural part of life, but it's somewhat rare for those who have left mixed martial arts and the UFC in the past (and didn't get a subsequent job in another aspect of the field) to speak out in enjoyment, until now.
The UFC is the pinnacle of the sport and the majority of the very best fighters in the world are either on the roster or strive to one day compete inside the octagon. While it's clearly the gold standard, there are a number of flaws that the promotion still has to iron out in order to continue its dominance for decades to come.
In a post on social media, former women's flyweight competitor Roxanne Modafferi spoke of her sheer happiness since leaving fighting in the past as she began to list off all the positive things happening in her life.
"I am REALLY enjoying my new life, thank you! Married, new job teaching English, training BJJ for fun, just started a teens BJJ class, etc! Learning how to sew and garden."
I am REALLY enjoying my new life, thank you! Married, new job teaching English, training BJJ for fun, just started a teens bjj class, etc! Learning how to sew and garden. twitter.com/dennisjeffrisv…
After battling it out with Casey O'Neill and losing a close split decision, Modafferi decided to lay her gloves down and bring an end to her career in the sport. Despite losing four of her final five fights, the happy-go-lucky competitor had an infectious personality that often put a smile on the faces of those around her.
While some may not know her by name, 'The Happy Warrior' is also known for her unique fashion sense during the weigh-ins, as she can often be found sporting a Dragon Ball Z-type hairstyle in tribute to anime icon Goku.
Roxanne Modafferi's career in the UFC
Although her time in the octagon seemed short-lived, Roxanne Modafferi is a pioneer for women's mixed martial arts, having begun her professional fighting career all the way back in 2003.
Prior to competing on her second season of The Ultimate Fighter, the now-40-year-old had already competed in 25 bouts in the sport and was a respected veteran before even stepping foot into the octagon.
After losing the inaugural women's flyweight championship bout to Nicco Montano, Modafferi went on to make 10 further appearances under the UFC banner. While her record with the company wasn't the best at 4-7, the lovable athlete did manage to take rising talents like Taila Santos and Viviane Araujo to a decision, whilst also earning a victory over potential future title challenger Maycee Barber.