Patrick Cummins is retiring from mixed martial arts after a professional career that spanned nearly a decade.
The 39-year-old known as “Durkin” announced his decision in a lengthy Instagram post on Tuesday.
I’ve given the idea of retirement a lot of careful consideration over the past 6 months. Today is the day that I officially say goodbye to my 20-plus year long career as an athlete. It’s not an easy decision to make especially when a competitive life is all I’ve ever known.
I’m not quite sure what the next chapter will be titled, but I know one thing for certain. I won’t spend any more time involved in something that my heart isn’t 100 [percent] into. I spent over year in the UFC where that was the case but I wasn’t completely aware of it. Turns out that’s probably one of the hardest places to go through the motions. Live and learn.
I want to thank my friends, family, loved ones, coaches, sponsors and training partners who’ve had a hand in shaping me over the years. You all know who you are and I love you.
One group of people I’ve left out is my fans. I’ve been able to do extraordinary things with your moral support. In good times and especially bad, many of you have reached out with motivation or praise over the years that I could never understand. For that, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I don’t think anyone can look back at their career and be completely satisfied with it, but one thing I wouldn’t change for anything is the unique group of amazing fans I’ve managed to curate. I love you all too. Thank you!! Cheers.
Cummins made his Octagon debut on short notice against Daniel Cormier at UFC 170 in February 2014, losing via first-round technical knockout. The former two-time NCAA All-American wrestler at Penn State University went on to compile a 6-7 mark within the Las Vegas-based promotion with notable victories over the likes of Antonio Carlos Jr., Rafael Cavalcante, Jan Blachowicz and Gian Villante.
Cummins ended his career on a three-bout skid that included a first-round TKO defeat to Ed Herman in his most recent appearance at UFC Fight Night 152 on May 18. The Pennsylvania native compiled a 10-7 professional mark overall.