Felicia Spencer is retiring from mixed martial arts.
The former featherweight title challenger revealed her intentions on Thursday (December 2, 2021). In an interview with Fight Bananas, she admitted that she was hanging up her gloves.
The news hit a bit left field as many thought Spencer was finally hitting her groove in the UFC. Prior to her retirement declaration, the featherweight was tasked with facing Leah Letson in her final UFC fight. Felicia dominated the fight and finished Letson. While much of Spencer’s handiwork took place in the clinch, she would finish her opponent on the mat with some vicious ground and pound.
Before being paired with Letson, Felicia Spencer fought the cream of the crop in the UFC. The former Invicta champion faced Amanda Nunes for 145-pound gold and demonstrated unworldly toughness despite losing. Spencer’s strength of schedule in the UFC is among the best for any women’s division. The 31-year-old also went the distance with fellow women’s ‘GOAT’ candidate, Cris Cyborg.
Felicia Spencer Announces Retirement Less Than A Month After Latest UFC Win
Despite losing to Norma Dumont in May, it seemed Felicia Spencer was back on track after her dominant win against Letson. The featherweight divulged some of her thought processes behind the decision to retire.
“I have decided to stop pursuing this opportunity and have no intention to continue fighting,” Spencer said. “I felt as good as I’ve ever been in my last fight and know I could have more great performances. But after 18 fights, including a few wars, I know in my heart for my future mental health that I shouldn’t be in more of those wars.
“In the fight game, that isn’t guaranteed, and I’ve shown myself that I won’t give up in the cage, so I need to protect myself by just not stepping in there. I’m thinking about myself and family 25 years from now. Mental health is an important consideration in my family.”
At just 31-years-old, Felicia Spencer is retiring from the sport. Admittedly, the featherweight knows in her heart that it’s the right decision for her mental health. She took part in a couple of wars and had some very memorable UFC fights. Entering the UFC in 2019, she made a big splash in a small division. Years later, and it appears the women’s 145-pound weight class in the UFC is still barely hanging on.
All Access staff wishes Felicia Spencer a happy and healthy retirement!
