UFC heavyweight, and former BAMMA heavyweight champion Mark Godbeer has announced his retirement from MMA.
UFC heavyweight and former Bellator MMA fighter Mark Godbeer has announced his retirement. Godbeer, with the amusing nickname ‘Hand of’ (as in, Mark ‘Hand of’ Godbeer, get it?) joined the UFC in 2016, going 2-2 for the promotion. Prior to that, he’d won and defended the BAMMA heavyweight championship, and fought Cheick Kongo under the Bellator banner.
Godbeer had been linked to a fight against Luis Henrique at UFC Fight Night 137 earlier this month, but was forced to withdraw due to injury. He announced his retirement on Facebook.
I’d like to thank you all for making the last ten years of my life an epic journey,, but now it’s time to give my time and nrg [sic] into those around me that deserve it the most starting with my girls… I have achieved everything I set out to do and more.. now it’s time to give a little back to those that gave me so much whilst supporting me… my time in the 4oz mitts are done. The screeding [sic] rails are being dusted off
😂 On to the next journey of my life. Much love
THE HAND
Godbeer, a native of Somerset, England, finishes his nearly 10-year career at 13-4. Starting his pro MMA run at 7-0, he won the BAMMA heavyweight championship against Paul Taylor in 2015, then defended the title against Stuart Austin the following year. In the UFC, he picked up wins over Walt Harris and Daniel Spitz.
