UFC: After injury withdrawal, Paul Taylor announces retirement

After an injury spoiled a planned return from a 32-month layoff, UFC veteran Paul Taylor has announced his MMA retirement.

UFC officials today announced the news.

Taylor (11-6 MMA, 4-5 UFC), who first debuted with the UFC in 2007, has been on the sidelines since February 2011, when he scored a head-kick knockout of Gabe Ruediger at UFC 126. He was booked for no fewer than four subsequent bouts, but an array of injuries – ranging from a broken foot to whiplash – forced him out of each one.

The 33-year-old English fighter’s most recent booking was slated for Oct. 26, when he was scheduled to fight fellow lightweight Anthony Njokuani (16-7 MMA, 3-3 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 30 in Manchester, England. It was the the third time UFC officials tried to book a fight between the strikers.

However, as announced on Thursday, Taylor suffered another injury and was replaced by Al Iaquinta (6-2-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC).

It’s an unfortunate ending to a career that saw three UFC “Fight of the Night” bonuses during a 4-5 run in the promotion. As the UFC looked to expand its footprint overseas, Taylor appeared in six of the UFC’s cards that were held in his native England.

“Relentless,” a Cage Rage vet who made his pro debut in 2002, concludes his career with eight stoppages in 11 career wins.

For more on UFC Fight Night 30, stay tuned to the UFC Rumors section of the site.