Burkman Retires After Fortaleza Loss

During Michel Prazeres’ post-fight victory interview at UFC Fight Night: Fortaleza, it was mentioned by Brian Stann that Josh Burkman left his gloves in the Octagon.

The longtime MMA veteran and journeyman informed Stann that he was retiring following the loss to Prazeres.

Following a period of about two years in smaller MMA promotions after debuting in 2003, Burkman first appeared on the UFC scene with the second season of The Ultimate Fighter. After defeating Melvin Guillard by unanimous decision on the second episode of the season, Burkman had to pull out from the show due to a broken arm suffered in the bout. He had his first official fight in the promotion at the season’s Ultimate Finale, where he defeated Sammy Morgan by knockout in just 21 seconds.

Burkman then floundered around the UFC scene, not going on any big particular winning or losing streaks. However, after three straight losses — to the likes of Mike Swick, Dustin Hazelett and Pete Sell — Burkman was let go from the UFC.

After three more years competing in smaller promotions, Burkman was one of many who joined the World Series of Fighting when it first started up. Burkman earned three straight wins at the first three WSOF events, defeating Gerald Harris, Aaron Simpson and Jon Fitch. At WSOF 6, Burkman had the chance to become the first-ever WSOF welterweight champion, but he was defeated by Steve Carl.

After one more win in WSOF, a knockout of Tyler Stinson, Burkman found himself back in the UFC. Unfortunately for him, he struggled since returning. He returned with a bout against Hector Lombard at UFC 182, which Burkman originally lost. The bout, however, was overturned to a No Contest due to Lombard testing positive for steroids. Burkman then lost two straight to Dong Hyun Kim and Patrick Cote before picking up a win over K.J. Noons. After three more losses, including the one to Prazeres on Saturday night, Burkman decided to hang his gloves up.

Burkman retires with a record of 28-15 (1 NC).