| Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC |
Former UFC strawweight title challenger, Claudia Gadelha has confirmed to the organization this Thursday, that she has retired from active competition with immediate effect, bringing a close to her career which began back in 2008.
Gadelha, 33, had competed 23 times professionally, establishing an 18-5 professional record, scoring seven submission victories to go with two other knockout wins.
Ranked at #7 at the time of her retirement, speculation began to mount regarding the future of Gadelha after she was officially pulled from the strawweight rankings today, as well as removed from selection in the fan rankings pool
Per an initial report from MMA Fighting reporters, Damon Martin, and Guilherme Cruz, Gadelha has today informed the UFC of her decision to retire from active competition – bringing an end to her seven-year stint with the organization.
Beginning her professional career with an impressive 12-fight undefeated run, Gadelha competed under the Invicta FC and Shooto banners prior to her July 2014 move to the UFC, where she dispatched Tina Lahdemaki in her promotional bow.
In her next bout, Gadelha suffered a close split decision defeat to former strawweight champion, Joanna…
