Swedish Kickboxing Legend Jorgen Kruth Retires From MMA…Less Than a Month Out From His UFC Debut
Swedish kickboxing veteran Jorgen Kruth had been scheduled to make his long-awaited UFC debut against Fabio Maldonado at UFC on FUEL 5. Less than three weeks before the event, however, Kruth announced his retirement from MMA.
Jorgen Kruth’s Kickboxing and MMA Career
A three-time K-1 champion and two-time World Muay Thai Council Super Heavyweight world champion, Kruth recorded kickboxing victories over names including Ray Sefo, Vitali Akhramenko and Bob Sapp before transitioning to MMA in 2009. He won each of his first five MMA bouts inside the opening round.
Kruth had originally been scheduled to face Cyrille Diabate at UFC on FUEL 2 but withdrew because of a rib injury. His rescheduled debut against Maldonado was set for September 29.
Why Kruth Retired Before His UFC Debut
Kruth told Swedish newspaper Expressen that family considerations and declining motivation had influenced his decision.
I’ve had a wonderful career. I have become world champion in Thai boxing and competed in K1 in Japan and Thailand. But I’ve probably still got on best with competing in Sweden, the Swedish public support is the absolute best.
I’ve been thinking a long time, but now I feel that it is time. I do not have the focus or motivation anymore and the body does not respond. I’m not getting the results I want. I have not reached the level required to compete and do not feel it’s working anymore.
Kruth vs. Bob Sapp
Kruth’s retirement left Maldonado without an opponent for UFC on FUEL 5 at the time of publication.
— J. Jones