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By: Jamie Penick, MMATorch Editor-in-Chief
Following his third straight knockout loss in the UFC on Saturday at UFC on Fox 14, Akira Corassani is moving on from MMA.
The six-fight UFC vet has all but officially retired, posting a statement on his Facebook page that leaves the door open a crack, but suggests he's done as an active competitor. Here's what he had to say:
"I got into to this to challenge myself, get kicks and thrills and live life as close to Van Damme in Bloodsport as possible. I was 22 years old working at a factory confused and bored when I made a bet with my co-workers to become a fighter. They laughed and I said WATCH! I did it all and holy smoke what an adventure it has been. I feel like I could write at least 8 books about my journey, the behind the scenes stuff and other craziness. If I found lamp today and rubbed it and a genie popped out and asked me to make a wish I would say "I wish every human being on earth could experience everything I have. Along the way I never thought of how many people I'd inspired, entertained and upset (mostly keyboard warriors). It is with deep joy I write this, I am full and content and I would never want to change a single thing. My brain has filed for a divorce and doesn't want to cooperate anymore. The passion and the technique is there but every car has a date (except for the Swedish Volvo 740). I feel like I have so much to share, show and talk about and I will in the future... From the bottom of my heart... THANK YOU ALL FOR THE WONDERFUL 12 YEARS AND I TRULY LOVE AND APPRECIATE THAT YOU TUNED IN. It was all my pleasure folks. I salute you, THE END!?"
Penick's Analysis: Corassani's UFC run was going to be more than likely done anyway after the loss to Sam Sicilia, but regardless, it makes sense for him to step away after three fairly brutal losses. Given the way his chin has failed him in those fights, he'd only be risking further brain damage if he tried to continue fighting, and he seems to understand that his time has simply expired. Best of luck to him in the future in whatever else he moves onto from here.
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Jamie Penick, editor-in-chief
(mmatorcheditor@gmail.com)
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