UFC and Bellator veteran Jim Wallhead retires at 39, with a 33-12 record and extensive experience across several major promotions.
“Judo” Jim Wallhead is retiring from his fighting career. The 39-year-old UFC and Bellator veteran had tears in his eyes as he laid down his gloves in the cage and announced his retirement following a loss to Rhys McKee at Cage Warriors 153 on Saturday. “It’s time,” Wallhead said in the cage. “It’s time to get home to my wife and kids.”
He made the announcement to Dan Hardy, his longtime teammate and training partner who was calling the fights. In that emotional moment, Wallhead expressed his feelings after spending 18 years as a professional fighter with bouts across several major promotions in his career. After initially being introduced to judo by accident when he thought he was signing up for a karate class, Wallhead became a multi-time champion in his native England before making the transition into MMA.
He fought a long list of top regional talent before making his way to Bellator in 2010. Wallhead eventually got to the UFC as well but for only two fights before he left the organization following back-to-back losses to Luan Chagas and Jessin Ayari between 2016 and 2017. During the course of his career, Wallhead picked up several impressive wins, including victories over Frank Trigg, Joey Villasenor, and Matt Veach. With a 33-12 record overall, Wallhead can look back on a commendable career as he focuses on spending more time with his family.