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One of UK MMA’s most respected and experienced veterans has retired from the sport of mixed martial arts aged 43.

With his career having long passed the decade milestone, Matt Ewin made the tough decision to hang up his gloves, and released an emotional statement giving thanks to those he’s encountered along the way.

This was the hardest decision I’ve ever had to make but it[‘s] definitely time to hang up the gloves and retire. I’ve had a great 13/14 years competing in MMA, met a lot of great people and made a lot of really good friends from it. I’d like to thank all the promoters who have been kind enough to have me on their shows, all the sponsors that have made it possible to keep competing and of course Trojan Free Fighters MMA for the outstanding training and great team/family we have in Cheltenham. Also, thanks to all the people who have supported me over the years, it’s always great to have that when your in the cage. Last but no way least I’d like to thank my lovely wife Sahra for putting up with all the mood swings while cutting weight and being there through the good and very hard times, love you so much. I’ll still be seeing most of you around while I’m cornering, in a better mood I hope. (TO MANY PEOPLE TO TAG).”

With a career record of 23-13-1 (1nc), ‘The Hardest’ has beaten UFC contenders such as Jess Liaudin, Ivan Salaverry and Xavier Foupa Pokam, having also faced the likes of Martin Kampmann, Paul Taylor and Travis Lutter, not to mention multiple generations of UK MMA talent.

Ultimate Fighter finalist, and UFC middleweight Bradley Scott gave thanks: “A[n] MMA legend has retired. He had gave me some awesome pointers in my career.”

Strength & conditioning coach Sonny Dholakia also commented: “It has been an absolute honour to have trained Matt in the past.. You are a legend of UK MMA..You may be hanging up the gloves but you are and always will be a warrior through and through champ.”