UFC: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu Ace Ricardo Almeida Announces Retirement

After going 13-5 in his mixed martial arts career, Ricardo "Big Dog" Almeida has announced his retirement, according to MMABay. 

Almeida posted an official release on his website, stating, "After Much Deliberation Since My Fight At UFC 128 I Have Decided To Step Away From The Sport As A Fighter."

"I Will Continue To Fully Support The UFC As A Coach And Of Course As A Big Fan. I Would Like To Thank Lorenzo Fertitta And Dana White For Their Leadership And Vision Which Brought The Sport To New Heights. I Would Also Like To Thank Joe Silva For Giving Me The Opportunity To Compete Among The Best Martial Artists In The World."

Ricardo Almeida is best known for his incredible ground skills, as he received his third-degree black-belt from Renzo Gracie. Almeida has a total of five career submission victories, including wins over Nathan Marquardt, TJ Grant and Kendall Grove.

Almeida took a four-year hiatus from mixed martial arts competition after he announced his first retirement from the sport following a six-fight win streak back in 2004. He made his return in 2008, at UFC 81, scoring a submission win against Rob Yundt. 

He received a number one contender's fight at UFC 86 in July of 2008 against Patrick Cote, a fight in which he lost via unanimous decision. He then went 4-2 since that fight, scoring wins Matt Horwich, Matt Brown and TJ Grant, and losing against Matt Hughes at UFC 117 in August of last year. 

Almeida's last fight came against Mike Pyle at UFC 128, where he dropped another unanimous decision. 

Almeida will always be known as a jiu-jitsu ace and someone that was dangerous on the ground. He is sure to be remembered as a tough fighter, who always gave his best when he stepped into the cage.