Lightweight Frankie Perez Retires Immediately After 1st UFC Win

It took Frankie Perez less than one minute to notch his first UFC victory. Five minutes later, he retired from professional MMA.

In a surprise announcement, Perez, 26, told broadcaster Jon Anik and a national viewing audience that he was leaving the sport after knocking out Sam Stout in 54 seconds Sunday on the UFC Fight Night 74 undercard in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. Perez departs with a record of 10-2 (1-1 UFC).

"Me being at 26, man, this was my first win in the UFC and my last," Perez told Anik. "I'm done after this, man. I brought my dreams to come true, and I'm ready for the next chapter in my life. I'm done putting my family and body through all this."

After the fight, Perez spoke with Mike Bohn of MMA Junkie about the decision, and though he reiterated his choice, he left the door open to a potential return down the road.

"It was [going to happen] regardless [of the outcome]," Perez told Bohn. "Who knows what [will happen] later on the years, but I’m going to keep training. I’m going to go back, and I’ll be back in the gym this week. ... I’m going to go home, have fun, enjoy my family, enjoy my dad, enjoy my sister, my brother, my niece, my mom and go see my family in Miami. I just want to enjoy life for a little bit."

Perez also added that he and his father own a DJ company and a clothing company, so he doesn't have to "live paycheck to paycheck like some of these fighters do."

In any case, UFC officials offered Perez an impressive gold watch of sorts, awarding him a $50,000 post-fight bonus for his performance.