PEMBROKE PINES, Fla. (WSVN) – Beloved Miami speedy mixed martial arts boxer Yuri “The Monster” Diaz has officially announced his retirement after a stellar career in the mixed martial arts world.
Despite beginning his fighting career at 35, an age when many boxers consider retirement, Diaz has built an incredible reputation, especially in bare-handed combat.
“This is where blood sports began,” Diaz said of his career. “Neanderthals were doing this hundreds of thousands of years ago.”
Diaz, known for his incredible hand-to-hand combat skills that allowed him to knock out opponents in as little as three seconds, has decided to retire after more than 30 professional fights in eight years.
“I’ve decided to retire because I feel I’ve accomplished great things in my career,” Diaz said. “I’m happy with what I’ve accomplished. I’ve made my name in history.”
Diaz’s final bout took place last week in front of a sold-out crowd at the Charles F. Dodge Center in Pembroke Pines, an event that drew local and international stars, including NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal, who was on hand to watch the South Florida fighter step into the ring for his final professional bout.
“He’s one of the pioneers of the BYB among backyard brawlers,” O’Neal said in a statement. “It’s been a real pleasure to watch and I congratulate him on a great career.”
Diaz expressed his gratitude for the support he has received throughout his career.
“I’ve watched Shaq since I was a kid. It’s great to call him a friend and even better to have him in the crowd for my final game,” he said.
Diaz has been planning to retire from the sport for a long time and has chosen to do so of his own volition.
“I’m just so grateful,” Diaz said. “Everybody knows my story. Fighting changed my life, fighting saved my life, so I’m happy to be at the stage now where I can end my life. I’ve had a great career.”
Diaz’s retirement wasn’t the only story of the night, as the preliminary bout between Angel Cale and Desiree Davila got the crowd excited.
In a post-game interview, 7News’ Donovan Campbell told Kiel, “You hear a lot from women, ‘It’s sweet and spicy and good,’ but there’s nothing good about getting punched in the face with bare hands.”
Kiel confidently replied, “It’s all great. It’s all great. I don’t care how sweet it is or how spicy it is. Honestly, my inside is the same as my outside. I’m a big character and she could punch you in the face if she wanted.”
Kiel won the battle against Davila.
Diaz may be retired from the ring, but he left a legacy behind that helped shape the emerging sport of bare-knuckle fighting, and his influence is being felt not only in South Florida but also among fighters around the world who, like Diaz, are willing to put it all on the line.
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