UFC's Cody Donovan announced Tuesday that he is retiring from the sport of MMA.
The 33-year-old light heavyweight said that he decided to stop fighting because of persistent injuries and surgeries that he had to endure throughout his career, according to Fight Of The Night.
Donovan competed in a total of 13 fights, holding an 8-5 record. His last three fights were losses to Ovince St. Preux, Giant Villante and Nikita Krylov.
The announcement was made on Donovan's official website, where he said he still has a passion for fighting, MMAjunkie reported.
"After much thought and discussion with my coaches and wife, we decided it is time to close this chapter of my life," he wrote. "I love fighting and competing but my body is no longer allowing me to do so."
Donovan had won three fights in a row, one of which was his only fight in Bellator, when he signed with the UFC in 2012. He beat Nick Penner with a knockout in the first round in his first UFC fight on FX 6 in Australia.
Among those to receive Donovan's thanks in his announcement were his coaches, training partners, and loved ones, Fight Of The Night reported.
"I would like to thank my family, coaches, teammates, training partners, management, friends, and fans for the support over the years," Donovan wrote. "How many people wake up every day and get to do what they love? I was one of those lucky ones!"
The light heavyweight added that he will continue his involvement in MMA as a coach and a mentor for other fighters, MMAjunkie reported.
"Endings are sad, beginnings are scary ... but it's the middle that counts," Donovan said. "I embrace and welcome this chapter of my life and will work hard and strive for excellence in everything that I will do!"
