Retirement Tracker: Notable MMA Fighters Who Have Hung Up Their Gloves in 2024

As the MMA landscape continues to shift and evolve, the retirement announcements from some of the sport’s most notable fighters in 2024 have created waves of emotion and reflection among fans and colleagues alike.

One of the first fighters to announce his retirement this year was Malcolm Gordon, whose MMA debut dates back to October 19, 2012. With a record of 14-8 and notable wins over Francisco Figueiredo and Chris Kelades, Gordon’s decision to hang up his gloves at the age of 33 left many in the MMA community surprised and reflective on his impactful career.

Following Gordon, another respected fighter, Mark Madsen, made the decision to retire on January 31, 2024. With a record of 12-2 and notable victories over Clay Guida and Vinc Pichel, Madsen’s departure from the sport at the age of 39 marked the end of an era for the Danish fighter.

On February 10, 2024, Felice Herrig, with a record of 14-10 and notable wins over Alexa Grasso and Cortney Casey, announced her retirement at the age of 39, closing the chapter on her impressive MMA career.

Jamie Pickett and Tyson Pedro both decided to retire on March 2, 2024, following recent fights. Pickett, with a record of 13-11, secured wins over Jhonoven Pati, Joseph Holmes, and Laureano Staropoli, while Pedro, with a record of 10-5, claimed victories over Khalil Rountree Jr. and Paul Craig in the UFC.

Satoshi Ishii, with a record of 25-13-1 and notable wins over Tim Sylvia, Perdo Rizzo, Jeff Monson, Philip De Fries, and Heath Herring, announced his retirement on March 3, 2024, after an illustrious career in MMA.

Most recently, Joanne Wood retired on March 9, 2024, after an impressive record of 17-8 and notable victories over Cortney Casey, Valerie Letourneau, Andrea Lee, Jessica Eye, and Maryna Moroz. Wood’s decision to retire following a split decision win over Moroz at UFC 299 marked the end of a successful career in the octagon.

As these fighters move on to the next chapter in their lives, their legacies in the sport of MMA will continue to be remembered and celebrated by fans and peers. The evolution of MMA as a sport will undoubtedly see new stars rise to fill the void left by these retiring fighters, but their contributions to the sport will always be cherished and honored.