Sam Stout announces his retirement from MMA

The curtain has come down on Sam Stout's mixed martial arts career.

Stout announced his retirement Wednesday, leaving the sport with a 20-12-1 career record (9-11 in the UFC). He released the following statement:

It has become clear to me that I am no longer able to compete at the highest level of mixed martial arts. Competing as a UFC fighter for the last 10 years has been something I will always look back on with great pride. I think my best days as a fighter are behind me and it would be a risk to my legacy and my health to continue competing. Therefore, I would like to announce my retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts.

MMAJunkie's Mike Bohn has more on Stout's career:

Stout made his pro debut in June 2003. After eight wins and 10 fights to start his career, Stout joined the UFC roster in March 2006 with a unanimous decision victory over longtime rival Spencer Fisher at UFC 58. "Hands of Stone" would fight Fisher three times over the course of his career and would edge out the trilogy with two wins.

Stout lost the final three fights of his career.