Kenny Florian statement: Plans to evaluate what's next, undecided on retirement/UFC fight future

Former two-time number one lightweight contender and one-time top featherweight challenger, Kenny Florian, issued a statement this evening in the wake of his unanimous decision loss to Jose Aldo at UFC 136 this weekend in Houston, Texas.

Speculation swirled that Florian was considering retirement after he failed for the third time to capture a world title. He was visibly dejected and tight-lipped at the UFC 136 post-fight press conference, refusing to provide any insight into what the future might hold.

Florian, 35, didn't confirm that retirement was imminent in the announcement today, but he also didn't shoot down the possibility altogether, either. In fact, he plans to let the dust settle, speak with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) executives and make a decision once all the cards are on the table.

Check out the complete statement from Kenny Florian after the jump:

"I’d like to thank Jose Aldo for giving me the opportunity to compete for the featherweight title last Saturday. I gave the fight my all, but Jose won that night. I would also like to thank the UFC, Dana White and Lorenzo Fertitta for their continued support. I am passionate about mixed martial arts, and I love being involved in this sport. It is incredible to see how much MMA has grown and that, today, there are millions of people who enjoy the UFC as much as I do. Second, everyone is asking what is next for me. The only response I can give right now is that I’m going to take some time to evaluate that. Most immediately, I want to rest, spend some time with my family and friends, and then evaluate all of my options. I’ll speak with Dana, and my management team, and we will figure out my next move. When I make that decision, my fans will be the first to know. One way or another, you haven’t seen the last of Ken-Flo!"

For a detailed recap of the fight between Jose Aldo vs. Kenny Florian click here. To check out UFC 136 video highlights of the five-round battle at the Toyota Center click here. And for a retrospective on Florian's illustrious career to date click here.

Florian has several options: He runs a successful gym with his brother in Massachusetts, is a regular panelist on ESPN's "MMA Live," fills in as ringside commentator at UFC events and, of course, is still a pretty damn fine fighter.

What do you think he should do?