There is something in the air my friends, winds of change are blowing and not everything they bring is good. Last week, Jason “Mayhem” Miller retired after his second consecutive loss with the UFC and was released from his Zuffa contract. That same day Mike Brown spoke with reporters after a win at UFC 146 and disclosed he was considering walking away as well and on Thursday at the weigh ins for the Ultimate Fighter finale, Kenny “KenFlo” Florian (16-6) announced he was hanging up the 4 oz. gloves and will pursue other ventures including commentating and broadcasting at this stage in his career.
Stating in front of the fans that this is an issue he has been wrestling with since November 2011, Florian said, “I injured my back in training last fall. I wanted to see how I could heal and have been working on it; I hurt myself again a few weeks ago and I think it is time to call it quits. I am thankful for UFC, Dana White, the Fertitta’s, Zuffa and all my fans for all the love and support you have given me over the years.” Advised by his doctors and neurosurgeons to retire and avoid permanent damage, he walks away as one of the best to compete inside the octagon and a testament to dedication and motivation to fulfill your dreams.
Being known to many critics and fans as the “runner up” after fighting for UFC titles in two divisions (lightweight, two times and featherweight) and was never able to have the belt around his waist. As easy as it is to criticize a man for his loss, how many fighters in their careers have had one opportunity, let alone multiple chances at a UFC championship? Not many. Florian was always a threat on the ground with his Brazilian Jiu Jitsu and never shied away from trading strikes, utilizing some of the best elbows that found their mark, bloodying men in their path.
As we look back at the Ultimate Fighter season one finalist’s tenure inside the octagon, Fight Hub TV has put together the top five fights inside the UFC, none in any particular order, to honor and remember Kenny Florian, a man who made it known his intentions – to finish fights!
*Editors note: The following bouts were unable to be shared; Please enjoy the highlight video chronicling Florian’s career at the bottom of the article.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT: FLORIAN VS GOMI; 03/31/2010
Welcoming the Japanese superstar and PRIDE champion Takanori Gomi, Florian dominated the fight in the first two rounds with superior striking and took it to the ground in the third round. With minutes closing in on the fight, Florian did not leave it in the judge’s hands and submitted Gomi with a rear naked choke. The dominance showcased the threat he posed to not only the UFC roster but those crossing over from other promotions that he was not a reality show star, but a legitimate adversary inside the cage.
UFC 107: FLORIAN VS GUIDA; 12/12/2009
Matching up against an opponent equally dangerous and with cardio that could outlast Florian’s, the Boston native remained tactical and held his own in the opening round. Going into the second, he dropped Guida with strikes and swarmed in for the submission, sinking in the rear naked choke and displayed his ability to come back strong after a loss in his previous bout.
UFC 101: PENN VS. FLORIAN; 08/08/2009
For the second time, Florian was fighting for the UFC lightweight title and was going against the greatest UFC lightweight of all time, BJ Penn. Standing in front of “The Prodigy”; Florian pushed him against the cage and did his best to control him, attempting multiple takedowns which were all stuffed. Persistence was his strategy but ultimately, Penn would secure his own takedown and submit Florian with a rear naked choke and dash his title dreams once again. While a loss, Florian cannot be disregarded for his tenacious spirit and constantly pressuring an opponent; this fight was also the last time Florian was stopped in a fight, his later losses all came by decision.
UFC FIGHT NIGHT: FLORIAN VS. LAUZON; 04/02/2008
Bragging rights are important to any fighter, but when the rights spanBoston, the ante is increased greatly. Two men were driven to expose the other as a phony and that their jiu jitsu was better than the others. Florian and Lauzon had exchanged words before the bout and knew what was on the line, respect. Florian opened strong and absorbed punishment while delivering it in the first round. Round two saw him find his rhythm and ultimately finish Joe Lauzon with strikes and maintain his position as the greatest fighter from New England and also stopped his nemesis’ momentum, halting a six fight win streak that Lauzon has never been able to produce since.
UFC ULTIMATE FIGHTER (SEASON ONE) FINALE: FLORAN VS SANCHEZ; 04/09/2005
Participating in a show that birthed the UFC as we know it today, Florian came in as a youngBostonmartial artist with a career total of 2-1. Discovered by Dana White in a localMassachusettsevent, Florian was invited to try out for the show, after White was impressed with his fight against Drew Fickett. Florian accepted and got into the competition, making it to the finals against Diego Sanchez. Being stopped by strikes in the first round, the loss birthed “KenFlo” and saw him drop from middleweight to welterweight.
A career that has seen him in four different weight classes and face off against some of the best in the world, he finishes with a UFC record of 12-5, being finished only twice (Diego Sanchez – TKO; BJ Penn – submission) and will still be enjoyed by fans as he serves in an commentating role for events, co-hosting UFC Tonight on FuelTV and an ambassador worldwide for Zuffa. Fight Hub TV thanks Kenny Florain for the fights he has put on, wishes him the best at this new point in his career and looks forward to speaking with him more in the future.
