After nearly 19 years in mixed martial arts and 30 appearances in the Octagon, UFC welterweight Matt Brown has announced his retirement from the sport. At 43 years old, Brown made the decision to step away from fighting and focus on serving others and building businesses that can make a positive impact on the community and the world.
Brown expressed his gratitude towards the UFC and Dana White for the opportunities he had in his career. He mentioned his interest in pursuing “bigger, better things” as he transitions into the next chapter of his life. His last fight was in May 2023, where he secured a knockout victory over Court McGee in the first round.
Throughout his UFC career, Brown amassed an impressive record of 24-19, with 17 wins and 13 losses in the promotion. He holds the second position for the most knockouts in UFC history, with 13 to his name, just one behind Derrick Lewis. Brown’s aggressive fighting style and willingness to engage in high-intensity bouts earned him nine post-fight bonuses, placing him second in UFC welterweight history.
Despite his achievements and fan following, Brown never had the opportunity to challenge for a UFC title. The closest he came was in 2014, when he faced Robbie Lawler in a welterweight title eliminator and fell short in a decision loss. There were talks of Brown facing Jim Miller at UFC 300 in a matchup between two long-serving fighters, but the fight never materialized.
Matt Brown’s retirement marks the end of an era in MMA. His contributions to the sport and his memorable fights will be remembered by fans and fellow fighters alike. As he embarks on a new journey of mentorship and entrepreneurship, Brown leaves behind a legacy of resilience, determination, and a fighting spirit that will inspire the next generation of athletes.