Evan Dunham Nixes Possibility of MMA Return: ‘I Have No Intentions of Coming Back’

Longtime UFC lightweight Evan Dunham has retired following a knockout loss to Francisco Trinaldo at UFC Fight Night 137 in São Paulo on Saturday, capping off a nine year run through one of the promotion’s most dangerous divisions.

Dunham (18-8-1) decided to hang up the gloves after two brutal knockout losses, one against Olivier Aubin-Mercier in April and again against Trinaldo on Saturday. Both losses came by way of a body shot, which became a common weakness in Dunham’s game as his durability waned over the years.

His last win came two years ago against Rick Glenn.

However the Xtreme Couture representative never took an easy fight, taking on the likes of Rafael dos Anjos, Edson Barboza and Donald Cerrone throughout his tenure as a UFC lightweight.

Dunham said during his post-fight speech that he waited to announce his intent on retirement only after his opponent was scheduled. He didn’t want an easy fight for his farewell.

“I already knew what I was going to do, going into this fight win, lose or draw,” Dunham said during a post-fight interview. “My last three losses have come by body shot knockout. I have a responsibility to myself and the fighters coming up behind me to know when you’re body is telling you to quit. It’s time to quit, time to hang it up.

“I’m very happy with my career and wouldn’t change a single thing.”

Dunham quickly nixed any possibility of a comeback down the road.

I’m not coming back. I’m happy. I’ve got plans. I’ve got things already set up and going that I want to do….I have no intentions of coming back at all. I’m ready to move on.”

He leaves the promotion with a 12-8-1 UFC record and an 18-8-1 record overall.