Late Tuesday evening, Tom DeBlass (7-2) announced his retired from mixed martial arts.
The decision came following a unanimous decision loss to Riki Fukuda at this past weekends UFC on FUEL TV 6 event in China. The New Jersey based fighter was undefeated coming into the UFC, but unfortunately dropped his only two UFC fights.
DeBlass released the statement below on his Twitter account.
After a lot of talk with my family and Coaches. I have decided to retire from fighting and focus on my family, my Academy, and helping my students to achieve their goals. I have had the opportunity to win the Pan American games, the No Gi World Championships, and National Championships, the Abu Dhabi trials and compete in Abu Dhabi. I have competed all over the world at 30 years old. I fought for Ring of Combat and won their titles. I made it to UFC in a year and a half. I know I am no where near my prime, however I feel my time is better spent else where. I want more then one Academy. At this time I feel it’s best for me to give my time to others, and spend more time with my family. The drive to keep fighting is not there any longer. I have an amazing Academy and feel my students need my full attention. Maybe I will return to Jiu-Jitsu competition. Thanks to everyone for the support. It’s been an awesome ride. God Bless.
The 30-year-old fighter made it to the UFC in just under two years and has accomplished more in the sport than many fighters ever will.
It sounds like the decorated jiu-jitsu practitioner will look to focus on that sport in the future.
