UFC fighter Ross Pearson has retired from the cage.
The Sunderland star announced the news via Instagram - but insists he will still compete.
And in an emotional post , the former Ultimate Fighter winner thanked the North East for helping his career.
"After some long hard talks, and careful consideration with my family, friends and team, I’ve decided it's time to retire as an MMA fighter," posted the 34-year-old.
"As hard as that is to say, it’s not the end of my career as a competitor.
"I’ve always been a fighter, and right now I am keeping my mind open as to what's next for me."
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Thanking both the UFC and president Dana White for "believing in me", he later thanked his family, friends and teammates.
He added: "I appreciate all of you - with a special shout out to all the north east training partners and coaches who where there for me in the beginning."
"And to all my fans, thanks for all the love & support."
Octagon legends such as BJ Penn tweeted their support to Ross after his announcement.
It comes after a March knockout loss to Desmond Green, his sixth defeat in seven fights although largely against highly-touted opponents.
Before that he had largely alternated wins and losses since winning Season Nine of The Ultimate Fighter.
During his decade long UFC career, he earned notable wins over Gray Maynard, Dennis Siver, George Sotiropoulos and Spencer Fisher.
He also agonisingly lost gruelling split-decisions against Edson Barboza and Diego Sanchez, while the always entertaining kickboxer racked up a host of Fight of the Night bonuses.
Making his UFC debut a year after the company's only ever visit to Newcastle's arena, Pearson previously told ChronicleLive one of his ambitions - now likely to be unfulfilled - was to bring another card to Tyneside.
"I’ve been in this game a long time and I’ve always fought anybody they’ve put in front of me," he said in 2016.
"It would mean the world to me if they helped me bring it back here."
He was one of several Sunderland fighters to make it to the UFC.
Ian 'The Machine' Freeman appeared on early cards, while huge heavyweight Phil De Fries fought former champion Stipe Miocic before winning his own titles elsewhere.
Current bantamweight Davey Grant, from Bishop Auckland, competes in the Bantamweight division.
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