After 40+ fights in a career that spanned nearly 15 years, Canadian Jason “The Athlete” MacDonald has decided to hang up the gloves and retire from MMA.

MacDonald (25-16 MMA, 6-7 UFC) had originally stated that he would return to the octagon following his UFC on FUEL TV 3 loss to Tom Lawlor last May. However, after taking some time off, Jason obviously reconsidered his options.

Here is what the former middleweight contender told MMA Fighting:

“I’ve had a great MMA career. I have traveled, met great people and have done things I would have never dreamed of through MMA. It’s been an honor to be with the UFC over the years, but it’s now time to move on. I’m getting older, my four kids are growing up fast. I’m going to focus on my family and my CrossFit gym.”

MacDonald scored victories over notbales Chris Leben, Ed Herman and Jason Lambert while under the UFC banner. “The Athlete” also went to war with Rich Franklin, Demian Maia and Yushin Okami inside the octagon.

After being released by the UFC following a loss to Nate Quarry in 2009, MacDonald strung together 3 wins on the regional circuit, earning him a second chance with the UFC.  When he returned, MacDonald suffered a potential career-ending injury when he shattered his leg against John Salter in the first round of their middleweight bout back at UFC 113 in 2010.

When he returned from the gruesome injury, Jason earned what will stand as the last victory of his career, as he defeated Ryan Jensen via submission at UFC 129 in Toronto.

MacDonald will be remembered for having the heart of a warrior and for being a pioneer in Canadian MMA. We here at bjpenn.com wish Jason the best of luck in his future endeavors!

What was your favorite MacDonald moment?