Yves Edwards knew it was time to retire after suffering moment of lapsed time at UFC Fight Night 57

Yves Edwards retired from competing in the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA) after nearly 70 professional fights in various organizations, including his final run with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Full details here.

Though the lightweight veteran didn't go out with a win, losing via first-round submission to Akbarh Arrealoa at UFC Fight Night 57 on Nov. 22, 2014, in Austin, Texas (results), Edwards felt there was no better time than now to call it a day.

Especially after suffering a moment of lapsed time during the bout.

And though he had been contemplating the move a week prior, going through something like that was enough to convince "Thugjitsu Master" the end had come. He explained it all on The MMA Hour (via MMA Fighting):

"As soon as I was fully conscious of what was going on, I don't... I remember standing up from my butt, and [wondering] how in the hell did I get knocked down -- like, what the hell? And then I don't remember... I remember my leg being caught in the air. I haven't really watched it, but I remember my leg being caught in the air and remember being in an armbar thinking I was in practice. And then as soon as I was coherent, I said, ‘I think I'm done.'"

Still, his decision to walk away from the sport after 17 years wasn't easy, especially for a fighter who loves nothing more than to compete

But, Yves doesn't want to be another sad example of a fighter who couldn't let go and hung around too long. Furthermore, Edwards says he doesn't want to tarnish the legacy he will leave behind.

"I still want to [fight], but I have to be smart. I don't want to be the guy that... I stuck around longer than I should, but I don't want to be the guy who stuck around too long. The guy that's fighting for a pay check, or the guy that is risking his health."

Edwards leaves the sport with an astounding 42-22-1-1 record, 10-8-1 inside the Octagon.

And though the sport will miss him, walking away at this point in time seems to be the wise choice for his longterm health.