Twice signed to the UFC, Jared Gooden has decided to walk away from MMA.
The former UFC Welterweight from Georgia competed seven times in the Octagon, fighting his way back to the premier promotion through the regional scene after his initial release in 2021.
Gooden went 1-2 in his second UFC run with his last win, a submission over Wellington Turman, coming at UFC Austin more than a year ago. Gooden was released from the roster following a defeat to Chidi Njokuani in October.
‘NiteTrain’ had his 33rd MMA fight on Saturday at Shogun Fights 30 against Mahamed Aly. Little did we know it would be his last.
Jared Gooden’s career comes to an end after 14 years
Suffering his second-straight loss last weekend, Gooden announced his MMA retirement on Monday.
“I wanna take this time to let everybody know that my time has come,” Gooden said in a video posted to X.
“I’m walking away from the sport. Thank you to everybody who’s helped me along my journey to get me where I have been in life and everything. But man, to be honest with you guys, man, I just don’t have the love or the passion I have for it anymore like I used to when I was younger, man.”
Gooden retires at the age of 31. He had his first amateur fight at 18 and made his pro debut at 21.
The UFC veteran fought the likes of Alan Jouban, Randy Brown, Impa Kasanganay, and Abubakar Nurmagomedov, Khabib Nurmagomedov’s cousin.
Gooden went 2-5 in the Octagon across two UFC runs.
‘My focus is on her now’ … Why Jared Gooden is retiring
What made Gooden walk away from a sport that sees so many other fighters retire later in life?
One word: family.
“Me and this amazing woman brought a beautiful baby girl into this world and my focus is on her now,” Gooden explained his decision to retire at 31.
“So, I’m gonna hang up my gloves for now, man. And can’t wait to let you guys know what I’m gonna do next in life.
“Thank you guys. Thank you to everybody for everything you did for me, man. I can’t say it enough. Hope you guys stay easy,” Gooden added.
