‘Poster boy’ Jimi Manuwa has called time on his mixed martial arts career following his knockout loss to Aleksander Rakic at the UFC’s event in Stockholm, Sweden last weekend.
The Brit was knocked out by a left high kick delivered by the promising Austrian light heavyweight inside the first minute of the fight. The loss, Manuwa’s fourth straight inside the Octagon, has prompted the 39-year-old to step away from the game, as he announced Tuesday afternoon on Instagram.
“I came to London from Nigeria when i was 10 yrs old in 1990,” Manuwa wrote. “I grew up in south London and had crazy teenage years filled with fights and life lessons. In 2006 I was 26 years old and I discovered the UFC while flicking through the sports channels late at night, it immediately captured me, the likes of Rampage Jackson, Tito Ortiz , Randy Couture , Shogun were my favourite fighters and I became a fan instantly. I’d never set foot in any martial arts gym in my life and neither didn’t have any plans to. In 2008 i was 28 years old and i said to myself that I’m gonna fight for the UFC.
“I got off my sofa and started training Muay Thai and BJJ , I had no martial arts experience but I was a tough cunt from South London. Martial arts immediately put more structure and discipline into my crazy life and helped me become a much better person than I was previously. I had my first pro fight after 2 weeks training and I won. Within the first 2 years I was UK number 1, but the goal was to fight for the UFC. I won all my fights by KO and in 2012 I accepted a IFC contract after turning them down twice with an 11-0 record, all knockouts.
“I’ve had a great martial arts career and the last 4 fights have been tough losses to take not only for myself but for my family who is always first, I’ve given out a mostly knockouts and taken a few myself , that’s my fan loving style but it takes a toll on the body especially concussions which are not visible to the eye. I’ve met a lot of great people along the way and travelled the world but it’s time to leave this chapter and on to the next one because there’s a life after fighting and I feel it’s my obligation to give more to combat sports which i love dearly outside of fighting. Thank you Dana White and the UFC for letting me showcase my skills and thank you to all my coaches and training partners who have helped and taught me along the way , much love to the fans and last but not least much love to my dear family who together we made this dream a reality.”
Manuwa walks away from the sport with a 17-6 professional record (6-6 UFC) and with a reputation as being one of the UK’s top light heavyweight fighters in history. During his spell with the UFC, Manuwa recorded wins against the likes of Corey Anderson, Ovince St. Preux and Jan Blachowicz. He is currently listed in 11th spot in the official rankings at 205-pounds.
Reacting to Manuwa’s retirement, Conor McGregor paid tribute to Manuwa’s career and the manner in which he burst on to the UFC scene with a series of stunning finishes.
“Top man you are Jimi! I remember fondly watching you tear thru the cage rage ultimate challenge roster way back, and then absolutely bursting into the UFC with the Kingsbury performance. That was some showcase!”, McGregor said.
“You climbed to the top level, and you did it the real way! It’s been a journey brother, you are a true pave-maker on the UK side! Can’t wait to see what’s next! Big respect always for The Poster Boy!”
