UFC: Dana White Announces Retirement of Kenny Florian

Earlier this morning UFC President Dana White teased that he had a special announcement for the Ultimate Fighter Finale weigh-ins. The speculation covered everything from UFC 147 getting put on free TV to a proposed matchup between the winner of Kampmann-Ellenberger vs. Carlos Condit at UFC on FOX 4. 

What has come as a complete surprise is that the special announcement was for the retirement of Kenny "KenFlo" Florian. Florian was a contestant on the the first season of the Ultimate Fighter where he entered the house as a blown-up middleweight.

After losing to Diego Sanchez at the finale, he dropped down to welterweight where he found success against the likes of Kit Cope and Alex Karalexis. When the UFC announced that they were reinstating the lightweight division, Florian faced Sean Sherk for the vacant title. 

Though he was unsuccessful in his title bid, Florian cemented himself as one of the most reliable and feared fighters in the division. He would put together a six-fight winning streak before challenging BJ Penn for the lightweight title. 

Again, he was unsuccessful. In his time at lightweight, Florian would pick up wins over such names as Roger Huerta, Clay Guida and Takanori Gomi. Following a loss to Gray Maynard, he tried to reinvent himself as a featherweight. 

He picked up a win over Diego Nunes in his featherweight debut before challenging featherweight champion Jose Aldo. It would be his third time challenging for a belt in the UFC, and unfortunately, he was unsuccessful once again in his bid for UFC gold.

Florian should be remembered as a fighter who was successful in four different weight classes and one of the best ambassadors for the sport. He will continue his involvement with UFC as a member of the broadcast team and a trainer of upcoming athletes.