Sultan Aliev announces retirement after UFC St. Petersburg win

Sultan Aliev is going out on a high note.

The 34-year-old Russian welterweight announced his retirement following a unanimous decision win over Keita Nakamura at UFC St. Petersburg on Saturday. The bout marked Aliev’s first fight in 11 months.

“This fight was the last on my contract with the UFC, so it was very important for me to win,” Aliev said in a UFC press release. “And it was much easier for me since I fought at home. Since that was the last fight on my contract, I’d like to retire from MMA. I’ve got a family and job — I just can’t find time for everything. And also I’m starting to feel my age.

“I did all this not only for my fans, but to test myself and push my limits. I am grateful to UFC for giving me this chance.”

Since making his debut in April 2011, Aliev put together a 15-3 record with a 2-2 mark in the UFC. He also competed for Bellator and spent the majority of his career fighting in his native Russia.

Aliev made additional comments thanking fans and explaining when he thought about retiring in a post-fight interview, which can be seen below: