Tom DeBlass (7-2), who has fought twice under the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) banner, announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) on Tuesday evening, citing a lack of desire as the primary reason for his decision.
The 30-year-old most recently competed at UFC on FUEL TV 6 last weekend, losing a unanimous decision to Riki Fukuda. The defeat dropped DeBlass' UFC record to 0-2 and his future with the organization was certainly in jeopardy.
That no longer matters, though, as DeBlass has decided to hang 'em up. He released a statement via Twitter confirming his retirement:
After a lot of talk with my family and Coaches. I have decided to retire from fighting and focus on my family, my Academy, and helping my students to achieve their goals. I have had the opportunity to win the Pan American games, the No Gi World Championships, and National Championships, the Abu Dhabi trials and compete in Abu Dhabi. I have competed all over the world at 30 years old. I fought for Ring of Combat and won their titles. I made it to UFC in a year and a half. I know I am no where near my prime, however I feel my time is better spent else where. I want more then one Academy. At this time I feel it's best for me to give my time to others, and spend more time with my family. The drive to keep fighting is not there any longer. I have an amazing Academy and feel my students need my full attention. Maybe I will return to Jiu-Jitsu competition. Thanks to everyone for the support. It's been an awesome ride. God Bless.
DeBlass is one of the more accomplished jiu-jitsu practitioners to make the transition into MMA. His skills helped him open his combat sports career with a record of 7-0 on the regional circuit, but once the New Jersey moved to the world's premier organization, he suffered two consecutive defeats.
There is nothing to debate regarding DeBlass' decision to retire. In reality, he accomplished more in his 29-month stint as a professional MMA fighter than a lot of others will in a decade-long career.
If DeBlass wants to focus on family and his jiu-jitsu academies in the New Jersey area, more power to him.
MMAmania.com wishes DeBlass the best of luck in his future endeavors.