Cung Le, 42, retires from mixed martial arts competition

Cung Le has retired from fighting in mixed martial arts competitions. He still hopes to compete is stand up events, and intends to continue working in films.

After several months of thought and discussion with my wife and family we realize our future includes many things, but active competition in mixed martial arts is no longer one of them therefore I am officially announcing my retirement from active competition, said Le to MMA Junkie. Fighting will never be far from my heart and martial arts will always continue to be a part of my daily life. I have thoroughly enjoyed the career that I have been blessed with due in large part to all my fans and the many people who have helped me on my journey.

I’d like to recognize the UFC for the opportunity they have provided me, the sport of mixed martial arts, and more importantly the fans who love it, you will never be far from my heart. It has truly been my honor and my privilege to entertain you.

Last Summer the UFC reported that Le had tested positive for nine months, and that he was suspended him for nine months. The suspension was later raised to twelve months. The bout was held in Macau, where there is unfortunately no government regulation of the sport, so the UFC was self regulating.

The blood test that reportedly showed positive was done during the final week before the fight, when images surfaced on social networks of Le looking physically transformed. Because of the short period of time, no WADA accredited lab was available.

Questions were raised about the lab and the veracity of the test. The UFC eventually withdrew the suspension. Le asked to be released.

Le then joined Le, Jon Fitch and Nate Quarry in a multi-million dollar class action lawsuit against the UFC, charging that the world’s dominant MMA league was a monopoly.

Never the less, ZUFFA CEO Lorenzo Fertitta and UFC president Dana White offering Le kind words upon news of his retirement breaking. Via UFC.com.

“Cung Le was a great ambassador of the sport for us in Asia and one of the most exciting middleweights to step foot in the Octagon,” said Fertitta. “We wish him well in his retirement and future endeavors.”

White offered similar sentiments.

“Cung Le was awesome and would take any fight,” said White. “He was such a huge piece of the success of The Ultimate Fighter China. I loved working with him and wish him well in the future.”