A former netminder is changing careers. Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

Australian goalkeeper quits soccer to pursue mixed martial arts career

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/6/20

Adelaide United goalkeeper Isaac Richards is exchanging his soccer gloves for those worn to protect hands during mixed martial arts encounters.

On Monday, the Australian A-League outfit announced that Richards is departing the club to pursue a fighting career.

The 21-year-old told the team website:

“I have to thank Adelaide United for giving me an opportunity to be a professional footballer and helping to steer me on the right path.

“I owe them a lot. “To me, mixed martial arts has always been my own personal form of self expression. “It helps me understand and deal with my emotions.

“I’m excited to be bringing myself out of my comfort zone and looking forward to dedicating my life to my true passion: mixed martial arts."

The club wished Richards well via social media:

This aged well.

Best of luck to you Isaac! https://t.co/uDpfHeer00 pic.twitter.com/MvSkmF8Vxq
— Adelaide United (@AdelaideUnited) July 6, 2020

Richards isn't the first athlete to leave one sport with the hopes of main-eventing UFC shows. Former WWE performer CM Punk signed with the UFC in December 2014 following his retirement from pro wrestling. Punk suffered defeats in his only two UFC appearances.

Retired NFL running back Herschel Walker tallied a professional MMA record of 2-0. He earned both of those victories in his late 40s.

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