Sean O’Connell scored a third round TKO victory over Vinny Magalhaes to pull one final upset in the Professional Fighters League light heavyweight tournament earlier this week, claiming the title and a $1 million in the process.
For O’Connell, that was the perfect way to finish his MMA career, as he announced his formal retirement from the sport shortly after.
“I am home again in Salt Lake City and feeling happy and grateful,” O’Connell posted on Twitter. “I feel blessed to have enjoyed a fulfilling career as a pro fighter. Thank you to EVERYONE who has EVER been part of this with me.
“Friends, Family, coaches, training partners, promoters, opponents, fans, sponsors, and anybody else who gave even a tiny bit of themselves to my years of pretending I belong as a pro athlete. I cannot thank you all properly. I wish I could.
“I hope to stay in the MMA world as a broadcaster, but my fighting days are done. Walking away on a high note is bittersweet. But I need to preserve what is left of my brain for my loved ones. God is great, the future is bright, and I am so grateful. Happy New Year everyone! Love you all.”
Thank you. @SugarRaySefo @carlossilva @ProFightLeague pic.twitter.com/mZEYynB4xi
— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) January 2, 2019