Tom Duquesnoy has probably caused quite a stir in the MMA industry, by announcing he’s retiring from professional fighting.

If you’re a hardcore fan, you likely know that Duquesnoy is one of Europe’s top bantamweights, and one of the best fighters to come out of France. But, recently the 25-year-old announced that he’s hanging up the gloves.

Duquesnoy arrived in the UFC in 2017 with a lot of buzz, since he had won bantamweight and featherweight titles with BAMMA. Further, at the time, he was riding a 12 fight undefeated streak.

The “Fire Kid” took out Patrick Williams in his Octagon debut, before dropping a split decision to contender, Cody Stamann. Most recently, in March, 2018, Duquesnoy beat Terrion Ware by unanimous decision.

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Dear friends, The MMA has been for me THE school of life with travels and encounters all over the world, and most importantly, the opportunity to discover myself as a person. Today I decide to go on a different path that attracts me a lot more and that takes me a big part of my energy. My new activities are such that I can not be fully devoted to high level training. I respect that sport too well to engage in « half-hearted » and that is why I am at a crossroads where it is essential for me to focus on what passionates me the most. It is also the result of a long introspection that was not simple since it was my childhood dream to fight in UFC, I who watched the UFC’s since the age of twelve and who did everything, these last ten years, in order this dream to materialize. This decision is good for me and comes from deep inside my heart. I announce my official retirement as a MMA fighter. I am already happy to feel your support in this new chapter of life dedicated as you know, to the teaching of the MMA technics but ABOVE ALL, the spiritual aspect of the martial arts and the inner quest. And that is on that path that you are all WELCOME and I invite you to follow the continuation of my journey. A continuation where we will be able to meet more than ever. I take this opportunity to THANK FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART all the people that have illuminate my path, to have made this journey so dense in understandings and human values. Thank you to everyone ?

A post shared by Tom Duquesnoy (@tomfirekid) on

So, while this news comes as a surprise, if Duquesnoy has decided to focus his efforts on something else, which makes him happier, it’s understandable.

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