UFC fighter Uriah Hall retires from MMA

Uriah Hall's knockouts on "The Ultimate Fighter" always will find their way into KO compilation shows and social media posts, but the Jamaican-born, Queens-raised UFC fighter won't be adding to that highlight reel anymore.

“It is with great sadness that I will be stepping away from the greatest sport in the world," the 38-year-old Hall wrote on Instagram on Wednesday morning. "I’m going to miss the incredible UFC staff that has became like family and the mentors I have met along the way. The UFC has given me the best opportunity to step completely outside my comfort zone. Throughout the years I’ve gone up against some of the best in the world at the highest level. Although I did not achieve the rank of world champion, I’ve acquired some of my greatest achievements from mixed martial arts and that was facing my fears and being a champion in life."

Hall first made a name for himself on the regional MMA scene as the Tiger Schulmann-trained fighter saw success in Ring of Combat. That led to a spot on Season 17 of "The Ultimate Fighter."

It was on that show where Hall showed what he's capable of doing inside the cage, landing highlight-reel, multiple-retweet worthy knockouts of Adam Cella and Bubba McDaniel.

Hall (17-11) had an up-and-down run in his 10 years in the UFC. He put together a four-fight win streak, the longest of his UFC career, with wins of Bevon Lewis, Antonio Carlos Jr. and former middleweight champions Anderson Silva and Chris Weidman. Hall ended his career with decision losses to Sean Strickland and Andre Muniz.

"I want to thank the incredible fans, you guys made the sport what it is today. It is important to have the right people around you that care for you and encourage you to become a better version of yourself," Hall wrote. "I want to thank my team my coaches my friends and my family always standing by me. You all have been the driving force that encouraged me daily. Lastly, I want to specifically thank Dana White for giving me the opportunity to collide with modern day gladiators. Thank you for always supporting me thru the good and the bad…To the next generation you are the top 1% greatest athlete’s on the planet. Will be a pleasure to watch where you all take this sport from here. I will be watching! Go forth.”

By Mark La Monica

mark.lamonica@newsday.comLaMonicaMark

Mark La Monica is a deputy sports editor at Newsday. He also covers mixed martial arts.