Kurt Pellegrino began his MMA career back in 2002 with a win over current UFC fighter Mac Danzig. Nine years later Kurt is calling it quits (for the second time) following a a first round technical knockout loss to Patricky Freire at Bellator 59. The event took place in front of his hometown crowd of New Jersey and following the loss Pellegrino took to the mic.
I started my career in Atlantic City, I wanted to end it in Atlantic City, too. When [Bellator] told me [I would fight] Patricky, I was thrilled. I knew he was super tough and I would have to train hard for him. I really did train hard. I lost fair and square. This will be the last time you ever see me fight, again.
During the post-fight press conference Pellegrino stated that there was always a possibility of him returning.
This isn’t the way I wanted it to end. You know, walking up the stairs I wanted to honestly tell you that you guys would never ever ever see me fight again unless you’re watching old tapes. It’s just getting a little hard. I missed my daughter’s first words, which were ‘dad,’ preparing for this fight. I don’t know what I want to do, but as of right now I’m done. I think I’m done… I don’t know what to do. I wanted to retire today.
Bellator CEO Bjorn Rebney said that he would have a sit down dinner with Pellegrino and his family to attempt to convince him to come back once more.
