‘The Ultimate Fighter 13’ Cast Member Shamar Bailey Announces Retirement

---

Shamar Bailey has retired from mixed martial arts following 27 professional fights.

The Indianapolis native recently announced his decision via Facebook. His last bout took place on Saturday night, when he lost to Mark Stoddard at Pinnacle Combat 17 in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

According to Bailey, the loss was not without controversy. The 32-year-old claims that he was kicked in the head while on the ground during the fight. His opponent continued to throw strikes after the allegedly illegal blow; Bailey says the result will be reviewed by the Iowa commission.

“Regardless of what the Iowa commission decides, I think it’s time I leave this sport to the young thundercats who are able to dedicate each day, [three] times a day to the craft like I used to,” he wrote. “I can no longer put the work in the gym that is required with the other responsibilities/goals on my plate. It’s been fun and I look forward to contributing in other ways.”

Bailey made his Octagon debut at the “TUF 13” finale, taking a unanimous decision against Ryan McGillivray on June 4, 2011. Following back-to-back losses to Evan Dunham and Danny Castillo, Bailey was released by the UFC.

Nicknamed “The Watchman,” Bailey exits the sport with a 16-11 professional mark. In addition to the UFC, he has competed for Strikeforce and Bellator over the course of a career that began in 2006.