Yahoo Sports One and Done, Frankie Perez KOs Sam Stout at UFC Saskatoon and Calls it Quits
Not only did Frankie Perez surprise everyone with his knockout victory of Sam Stout at UFC Fight Night 74 on Sunday night, he also raised some eyebrows by then calling it a career in his post-fight interview with Jon Anik.
Perez certainly isn't the most notable fighter in the UFC's lightweight division, but he racked up eight victories in his professional MMA career before ever losing. He was 9-1 before setting foot in the Octagon, losing his debut to Johnny Case at UFC Fight Night 59 earlier this year in Boston.
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He hasn't yet expounded upon why he called it a career, but perhaps even in January, losing to Case, Perez was mulling over his career choice. Either way, it was certainly at the fore of his mind on Sunday night in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada.
When he did call it quits, it was on his own terms. He got his first UFC win and decided that was enough.
Six years and 20-plus bouts his senior, Stout was a fighter that Perez looked up to.
“Any kids out there that have dreams, stay true to your dreams. I just fought one of my favorite fighters of all time. Dreams due come true,” said Perez. “He brought the best out of me.”
But that was when Perez stunned everyone, saying that after defeating Stout, it was time to move on.
“I train with the best team on the planet. I have the utmost confidence to beat anybody in this division. (But) me being 26, this is my first win in the UFC and my last. I’m done after this. I’ve brought my dreams to come true and I’m on to the next chapter in my life. I’m done putting my family and my body through all this.”
Regardless of why, Perez exits the Octagon having scored the biggest victory of his career.
