Julie Kedzie Announces Retirement

BRISBANE, Australia — Shortly after her second straight split decision loss in the UFC, women’s MMA pioneer Julie Kedzie (16-13) took to social media and announced her retirement from mixed martial arts. Her loss to Bethe Correira (7-0) was her fourth straight loss, and there were rumblings that the UFC was considering cutting Kedzie if she were to go 0-2 in the octagon.

Though a name under the radar in the UFC, Kedzie was a pioneer for women’s MMA, being one of the biggest names in the sport before the top names in the UFC today. Her fight with Gina Carano on EliteXC: Destiny on February 10, 2007 is one of the most well known fights in women’s MMA history

The tweets from Kedzie announcing her retirement came within the last hour:

Before walking out to my fight today, I had a long talk with my coach and we decided that this would be my last MMA fight.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

I would have loved to have gone out on a win, but c’est la vie-don’t leave it to the judges. Heartbreak is a huge part of this sport.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

I really truly want to thank all of you for being a part of my journey as a fighter. I will still be involved in MMA for the rest of my life

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

..but now it’s time for me to accept that I can give more to the sport by stepping back and taking role in helping to develop other fighters

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the @UFC , my team, and all of you who have made me achieve some amazing dreams.

— Julie Kedzie (@julesk_fighter) December 7, 2013

One area Kedzie could continue to be involved with mixed martial arts is in broadcasting, where she has had some experience providing commentary for fights with Invicta FC. And while her fight may not make the major headlines, her impact on women’s MMA and where it is at today certainly will after her retirement.

F0llow Brandon Boles on Twitter: @BrandonBoles

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Twitter: @FullScaleSport

(Photo Credit: Josh Hedges/Forza LLC via Getty Images)

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