Former UFC, Strikeforce Competitor Nam Phan Announces Retirement at 33

Nam Phan has announced his retirement from MMA at 33 years old.

Phan revealed his decision via Facebook following a 21-second submission loss to Robert Whiteford at Absolute Championship Berkut 54 on Saturday. However, the California native didn’t completely close the door on fighting again at some point in the future.

“I don’t want to say I’ll never return to the ring for one last fight, but I think I put my body, mind and family through enough stress,” he wrote. “I’ll still train every day, continue to compete in marathons, boxing matches and amateur grappling matches. As for MMA I’m gonna take a bit of time off.”



Phan compiled a 21-17 record over the course of a career that began in 2001. He competed for a number of promotions including the UFC, Strikeforce, Bellator, Pancrase, Sengoku and King of the Cage. He owns notable victories over the likes of Cole Miller, Leonard Garcia and Saad Awad, to name a few (online betting).