Cung Le Retires, UFC Executives React

UFC and Strikeforce veteran Cung Le has retired from Mixed Martial Arts.

The combat fighting legend announced the news today via his official instagram account.

“After several months of thought and discussion with my wife and family, we realize our future includes many things, but active competition in mixed martial arts is no longer one of them, therefore I am officially announcing my retirement from active competition. Fighting will never be far from my heart and martial arts will always continue to be a part of my daily life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the career that I have been blessed with due in large part to all my fans and the many people who have helped me on my journey.
I want to personally thank my wife, Suzanne, my three Little Ninjas, my Mother, Sister and the rest of my incredible family for their support, prayers and inspiration. I’d like to take this opportunity to personally thank Scott Coker for his long-time friendship and support of my career, Gary Ibarra for your tenacity, to Khoa Do for everything, Scott Sheeley, you know, and to Jane Estioko, thank you for your loyalty. I’d also like to thank all of my past and present USH Team Family members, I am grateful for every round.

I’d like to recognize the UFC for the opportunity they have provided me, the sport of mixed martial arts, and more importantly the fans who love it, you will never be far from my heart. It has truly been my honor and my privilege to entertain you.”

UFC President Dana White and company CEO Lorenzo Fertitta took to UFC.com with their reactions to the news.

“Cung Le was a great ambassador of the sport for us in Asia and one of the most exciting middleweights to step foot in the Octagon. We wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors,” stated Lorenzo Fertitta.

“Cung Le was awesome and would take any fight,” UFC President Dana White added. “He was such a huge piece of the success of The Ultimate Fighter China. I loved working with him and wish him well in the future.”