Jared Gooden announces shock retirement after 2-5 UFC streak

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated Mar 31, 2025 11:05 AM ET

UFC.com

One of UFC's most puzzling welterweight fighters has decided to hang up the gloves.

This follows a seven fight, two-time UFC stint that culminated in a 2-5 record inside the Octagon, with one bonus.

Dustin Safranek-Imagn Images

Jared Gooden retires after 14 year MMA career

Taking to Twitter on March 31, 31-year-old 'NiteTrain' Jared Gooden announced his surprise retirement. Gooden last fought in a losing effort against Chidi Njokuani in October 2024, and missed weight twice in his last three fights.

Gooden has had two stints in the UFC, going 1-3 from 2020 to 2021, and then 1-2 from 2023 to 2024. Despite having another fight scheduled for Shogun Fights 30 on March 29, Gooden has decided to call it quits.

Thank you So Much to Everyone! 14 Amazing Years! Time to say Goodbye
All Luv pic.twitter.com/QCoYxjjYku
— Jared Gooden (@JGNiteTrain23) March 31, 2025

"[...] I wanna take this time to let everybody know that time has come [and] I'm walking away from the sport," Gooden said. "... Man, to be honest with you guys I just don't have the love and passion for it like I used to when I was younger.

"[...] My focus [is on my daughter] now, you know what I mean? So I'm gonna hang up my gloves and I can't wait to let you guys know what I do next."

Gooden retires with a professional MMA record of 23-10.

This article first appeared on MMA on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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