UFC middleweight contender Tor Troeng retires from MMA

A roster spot in the highly-competitive Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) middleweight division has opened up after Tor Troeng has decided to walk away from mixed martial arts (MMA) after suffering his third consecutive loss inside the Octagon.

"The Hammer" recently announced his decision on his Facebook page:

"After almost 10 years as a professional MMA fighter, it's time for me to move on. I have decided to put the gloves on the shelf. The joy and motivation needed to perform at the highest level is no longer with me. I love MMA. MMA has given me many memorable moments, hard training, meetings with amazing people, and above all a lot of joy. I want to thank everyone who has been with me on my journey in one way or another. From its inception in Umeå to the big international arenas. Thanks coaches, family, friends, Friends, fans, and everyone else who believed in me and been by my side. You know who you are. See you soon."

Troeng made his way into the Octagon as a contestant on season 17 of The Ultimate Fighter (TUF).

After the show wrapped, Tor won his first official UFC bout against Adam Cella, but went on to lose his next three fights against Rafael Natal, Trevor Smith, and most recently against Krzystof Jotco.

While Troeng, 31, didn't end his combat sports career on a high note, he was fortunate enough to compete for the final time in MMA in front of his Swedish hometown crowd at UFC Fight Night 53.

Troeng leaves the sport with 16-7-1 record, 1-3 inside the Octagon.