UFC middleweight Alan Belcher retires from MMA

After 11 years competing in the sport of MMA, UFC veteran Alan Belcher has retired at the age of 31.

The former middleweight contender announced his retirement on Periscope earlier today. "I'm done fighting. I'm finished. I'll never, ever fight again. This is my official retirement," Belcher said.

During his six-year stint in the UFC, Belcher earned his stake as a solid middleweight contender. "The Talent" beat the likes of Ed Herman, Denis Kang and Rousimar Palhares. The Brazilian Jiu Jitsu black belt shocked the world when he defeated "Toquinho" in the grappling exchanges in the 1st round.

Belcher will focus his energy towards teaching mixed martial arts students across the globe and help other MMA businesses and gyms to expand.

"I really feel like talking to instructors and gym owners, business owners is my calling now," Belcher said. "That's what I really want to do...I really believe that I could go down that road and fight again, but this is more important to me. I like teaching martial arts. I want to continue teaching students all over the world in my online businesses...

"So this is my official retirement. That's it. I'm not really going to shed a tear or anything. I'm done. I don't care. I don't want to get hit anymore."

Belcher last fought in 2013 against Michael Bisping at UFC 159. The Duke Roufus product suffered an eye poke in the third round and was deemed unable to continue. Bisping won via unanimous technical decision.

(Transcripts via MMAFighting.com)