Abertillery fighter Shore announces shock retirement after turning down UFC deal

ABERTILLERY’S Jack Shore has turned down the offer of a new deal with the UFC and retired from professional fighting.

The 29-year-old has hung up his gloves with a record of 17-3 after last fighting in November when beaten by Youssef Zalal.

The featherweight, who earned his UFC chance by starring in Cage Warriors, announced that he has decided to retire on his own terms and will now start a career in coaching.

“After fighting out my contract and taking some time to think about what’s next, it’s clear to me that my time with professional fighting is done,” Shore posted on social media.

“Although I had the chance to re-sign with UFC I’ve decided my time’s done. I want to thank the UFC for letting me live out my childhood dream of fighting for the world’s biggest organisation and against some of the best in the world, I’ve enjoyed every minute!

“From what started as a kid with a dream led me to amateur titles, world titles and living out my dream of fighting in the UFC.

Abertillery fighter Shore announces shock retirement after turning down UFC deal (Image: PA)

“I can truly say for every single fight I gave the training and the fights my all, never said no, never asked questions just kept my head down, stayed true to myself and achieved more than I ever thought possible.

“For the entirety of my 20s fighting and training was my life and sole focus, however the last few weeks/months have showed this is no longer the case.

“I always promised myself when I was mentality checked out I would retire from the sport rather than the sport retire me.

“Injures have caught up with me after a lifetime in the sport. I’m leaving with my mental health in check, good health, financially stable and am fully ready to move onto the future.”

Shore went on to thank his fiancée Kaydie, son Fraser, mother, sister and the Shore Mixed Martial Arts ‘family’.

“Every bit of success I’ve had inside the cage I owe to my incredible coaches,” he said. “Hehm and Gary for all their knowledge, Paul Reed for everything he’s added the last few years.

“Of course, coach Carl Parker, who for the last 10 years has constantly improved my game and reminded me of who I truly am even when I didn’t always believe it myself.”

Shore also paid tribute to his father Richard “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.

“The world class coaching he has giving me for over 20 years has helped me reach things in this sport than people only dream of.

“But, most importantly, he always remained my dad first and has always been there for and loved his son as well as his fighter. I would not be who I am or achieved a fraction of what I had if it wasn’t for this man.”

Shore intends to stay involved in martial arts – Richard announced that his son will be helping produce future talent as a coach – but will no longer be fighting as a pro.