In a somewhat surprising announcement, UFC lightweight contender
Damir
Ismagulov appears to have retired from mixed martial arts.
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The 31-year-old Russian announced his decision on Sunday in a post
on his Instagram account.
“Unfortunately, due to circumstances and health problems, I am
forced to end my sports career,” Ismagulov wrote. “Thanks to all
those who were with me regardless of the outcome in the battles,
who were sincerely sick and worried. It was an interesting journey,
a moment to remember. [Hugs to] everyone.”
Ismagulov last appeared at UFC Fight Night 216, when he lost a
unanimous decision to Arman
Tsarukyan in the evening’s co-main event on Dec. 17. That ended
a 19-bout winning streak for the former M-1 Global champion, who
had been victorious in his first five Octagon appearances. He owns
a 24-2 career mark, with notable victories over the likes of
Guram
Kutateladze, Thiago
Moises and Joel
Alvarez, among others.