Sean O’Connell Retires Following Million-Dollar Payday
Sean O’Connell earned the biggest payday of his career on New Year’s Eve when he defeated Vinny Magalhaes for the 2018 light heavyweight title at PFL 11. Following the fight, which earned him a million-dollar payout, “The Real OC” stated that he was retiring from fighting.
On New Year’s day, O’Connell released a statement confirming that he would no longer be competing inside the cage.
“I am home again in Salt Lake City and feeling happy and grateful. I feel blessed to have enjoyed a fulfilling career as a pro fighter,” he wrote. “Thank you to EVERYONE who has EVER been part of this with me. Friends, family, coaches, training partners, promoters, opponents, fans, sponsors, and anybody else who gave even a tiny bit of themselves to my years of pretending I belong as a pro athlete. I cannot thank you all properly. I wish I could.
“I hope to stay in the MMA world as a broadcaster, but my fighting days are done. Walking away on a high note is bittersweet. But I need to preserve what is left of my brain for my loved ones. God is great, the future is bright, and I am so grateful. Happy New Year everyone! Love you all.”
This article first appeared at News – MMAWeekly.com
