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UFC, Strikeforce Veteran Julie Kedzie Retires from MMA at 32

Julie Kedzie is walking away from the cage. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com



After fighting for more than nine years as a professional mixed martial artist, Julie Kedzie will hang up her gloves at the age of 32.

“Fireball” announced her decision on Twitter following her split-decision defeat to Bethe Correia at UFC Fight Night 33 in Brisbane, Australia.

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“Before walking out to my fight today, I had a long talk with my coach and we decided that this would be my last MMA fight,” Kedzie wrote. “I would have loved to have gone out on a win, but c'est la vie; don't leave it to the judges. Heartbreak is a huge part of this sport.”

Kedzie ends her career on four consecutive defeats, though both of her UFC losses came via split decision. The Jackson’s MMA representative began her career in 2004 and participated in the first women’s bout in EliteXC history when she met Gina Carano live on Showtime in 2007. Kedzie joined Strikeforce in 2011 and put forth a memorable performance against former bantamweight champion Miesha Tate, giving “Cupcake” a competitive fight for the majority of their bout before submitting to a third-round armbar.

At 32, Kedzie now walks away from active competition with a career mark of 16-13. Ten of the veteran’s victories came by way of decision, and she exits the cage having never been knocked out in 29 pro outings.

“I really, truly want to thank all of you for being a part of my journey as a fighter. I will still be involved in MMA for the rest of my life,” Kedzie wrote. “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to the UFC, my team and all of you who have made me achieve some amazing dreams. Now it's time for me to accept that I can give more to the sport by stepping back and taking role in helping to develop other fighters.”
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