Jack Shore, the 29-year-old UFC fighter from Abertillery, Wales, has officially announced his retirement from professional fighting after deciding not to accept a new contract offer from the UFC. Following his decision, Shore revealed his plans to transition into coaching, marking the end of his competitive career on his own terms.
A Stellar Career in the UFC
Shore's decision to retire comes after a remarkable career, where he compiled a record of 17 wins and 3 losses. His last fight took place last month in Canada, where he was defeated by Youssef Zalal. Despite the loss, Shore has expressed gratitude for his time in the sport and for the opportunities he had to compete at the highest level.
In an emotional farewell posted on social media, Shore shared:
"As what may come as a surprise to a few, I’ve decided to hang up the gloves on my professional fighting career. 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."
Reflecting on a Childhood Dream
Shore also spoke about his gratitude towards the UFC for allowing him to live out his childhood dream. He reflected on the incredible journey that led him from humble beginnings to becoming a fighter in the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization:
"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!"
Looking back, Shore acknowledged how his early years shaped his career and achievements:
"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. 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."
The Decision to Retire on His Terms
Shore explained that while fighting had been his life’s focus throughout his 20s, recent months had made him realise that his priorities had changed. He mentioned how physical and mental tolls, particularly injuries, had prompted him to make the decision to retire rather than let the sport retire him.
"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 mentally checked out I would retire from the sport rather than the sport retire me."
Shore expressed his relief in stepping away from the sport while still in good health, both physically and mentally:
"Injuries 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."
Gratitude for Family, Coaches, and SupportersIn his retirement announcement, Shore made sure to thank his family and coaching team for their support throughout his career. He specifically praised his fiancée Kaydie, their son Fraser, and his parents. Shore also gave a heartfelt tribute to his father, Richard, who has been his guiding force both in and outside the cage.
"I owe every bit of success I've had inside the cage... to my incredible coaches," he wrote. "The world-class coaching he [my father] has given me for over 20 years has helped me reach things in this sport that 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."
A Father’s Pride
Richard Shore shared his pride in his son’s decision, expressing his admiration for Jack’s journey and growth as an athlete and individual. Responding to Jack’s retirement announcement, he posted on X:
"It's been a crazy journey, but my son has decided to retire on his own terms. I could not be prouder of him as a man and an athlete. He will join me full-time with coaching the next generation of talent."
Looking Ahead: Coaching the Next Generation
As Shore moves into coaching, he hopes to pass on the knowledge and skills that made him successful in the cage to the next generation of fighters. With his wealth of experience in mixed martial arts, Shore is poised to make a significant impact in the coaching world, helping others achieve their own dreams in the sport.
