UFC Middleweight Nate Quarry Officially Retires from MMA

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Nate Quarry has officially retired from active duty as a mixed martial artist.

“Rock” made the announcement Thursday night during the most recent episode of “MMA Uncensored” on Spike TV.

“It was 16 years ago that I saw the UFC on TV, and it changed my life. Everything I have besides my little girl has come from fighting,” said Quarry. “But after my last fight, when I came home and saw the look in my little girl's eyes, I could see how upset she was at how damaged I was. I knew I wanted to leave when I could still take care of her.”

A 10-time UFC veteran, Quarry’s last in-cage appearance came in March 2010, when he was knocked out by Jorge Rivera, suffering facial fractures that would require surgery.

“I didn't ever want to be one of those fighters [about whom] people said, "Why is he still here?” Quarry explained. “I wanted to leave when people still wanted me to fight. I hate to say it, but I'm going to have to exit from fighting.”

Now 39 years old, Quarry was introduced to UFC audiences as a cast member on the original season of “The Ultimate Fighter,” sustaining an injury during taping that prematurely ended his quest for the inaugural “TUF” crown. The Oregonian impressed in his stint with the promotion following his time on the show, as he posted knockout victories over Lodune Sincaid, Shonie Carter and Pete Sell to earn his shot at middleweight champion Rich Franklin in 2005.

Quarry was quickly turned away by “Ace,” however, as Franklin knocked Quarry cold in just 2:34. Following the defeat, Quarry spent nearly two years away from the cage tending to chronic back problems, undergoing surgery to address the issue.

The former Team Quest representative returned to the Octagon in 2007, posting a 4-1 record before running into Rivera at Fight Night 21. Particularly memorable was his UFC 83 clash with Kalib Starnes, during which Quarry pursued his continually retreating opponent for the majority of the bout, humorously quoting Sylvester Stallone’s climactic speech in “Rocky IV” after the one-sided contest.

Now officially retired from the cage, Quarry turns his full professional attention toward co-hosting “MMA Uncensored” and managing his clothing line, Zombie Cage Fighter.

“I'm just glad that I get the opportunity to be here and continue the love for this sport that I've had, that has given me everything,” Quarry said. “Thank you, Spike TV, and thank you to my hosts for giving me this opportunity. Thank you to the fans, and thank you to my little girl for making it so easy for me to follow my dream.”