Six-Time UFC Veteran James Moontasri Announces Retirement from MMA

Former UFC welterweight and lightweight competitor James Moontasri has announced his retirement at age 28.

The fighter known as “Moonwalker” revealed his decision in a Facebook post on Tuesday:

Thank you to the UFC and all of the people who have supported me,” Moontasri wrote. “I have been given so many fair opportunities and I am very proud of everything I was able to accomplish. I'm proud of myself and now I am excited for a new chapter in my life. Martial arts is my life and that will never change. Thank you to my management, my coaches, and my amazing fans. I love you all very much.”

Moontasri exits the sport with a 9-5 professional record. He went 2-4 in the Octagon, debuting in the promotion at lightweight before moving to 170 pounds. His most notable performance came at UFC 193, when he knocked out Anton Zafir with a spinning backfist in the opening stanza. He ended his promotional tenure with back-to-back decision defeats to Alex Morono and Alex Oliveira.