UFC veteran surprisingly retires at 29 with sparkling record

UFC veteran featherweight Jack Shore called it a career Wednesday.

At age 29, Shore fought the last fight of his UFC contract, a second-round loss to Youssef Zalal in November, and has decided to step away from competition to focus on coaching.

His career as a mixed martial artist ends with an impressive record of 17-3. Those three losses came in his last four games. Including the loss to Zalal, there was a doctor’s stoppage loss to Joanerson Brito in May due to a shin splint.

Prior to his submission victory over Makwan Amirkhani in March 2023, Shore was submitted in the second round by Ricky Simon in July 2022.

Shore was able to reach the UFC’s Top 15, but couldn’t get over the hump after an excellent run on the independent circuit that earned him a shot at the top promotion in the world.

“All the success I’ve had inside the cage I owe to my incredible trainers,” Shore said on Instagram. “Hehm and Gary for all their knowledge, Paul Reed for everything he’s added over the past few years. Of course, coach Carl Parker, who for the past 10 years has constantly improved my game and reminded me of who I really am, even though i didn’t always believe it myself, the man who calms down when you need calm and increases the intensity when you need it. the one, never afraid to tell you what you don’t want to hear, and a man who have dedicated the last ones 10 years of his life to make me a better fighter.”

Shore’s relationship with his father, Richard Shore, is well documented. He credited his father for inspiring him to pursue an MMA career and for always supporting him.

“And of course my dad, who made a chubby 12-year-old believe in himself and convinced him to always chase his dreams, work hard and be proud of who I am,” Shore continued. “The world-class coaching he has given me for over 20 years has helped me achieve things in this sport that people only dream of. But most importantly, he always remained my father first and has always been there for and loved his son as well as his fighter.I wouldn’t be who I am or have achieved a fraction of what I had if it wasn’t for this man.From the arena basement to arenas around the world we started as a couple and as I always did said, would we finish as a couple. There is no better man out there to have as my role model/mentor/coach. There is no tank without shakes.”

Shore is now likely to train with his father at Welsh MMA and pursue a career in the sport, just not as a competitor in the Octagon. After starting his MMA career a perfect 10-0, Shore continued his run by winning his first five fights in the UFC.

The loss to Simon was the first of his career. Shore ended his career having lost three of his last four fights, and obviously due to his youth, there will be questions about whether he decides to pivot and return to the Octagon.

Because he’s out of contract with the UFC, he could potentially accept an offer from another organization that might be willing to pay him even more handsomely — if he ever wants to fight again.

If he’s done, Shore maintains he’s satisfied with what he accomplished.

“What a journey,” Shore concluded. “For once, I can finally say that I am proud of what I have achieved and always done my best. When people think of Welsh MMA they will hopefully always think of Tank Shore. Much love to you all.”