Joanne Wood ended her 11 year professional career in style with a split decision win against Maryna Moroz at UFC 299.
'Jo Jo' had already announced that she would be retiring following her bout last night (March 9th) and stayed true to her word, walking away from the sport in style.
In a full circle moment, Wood and Moroz ran it back 8 years on from their first bout - in which Moroz handed the Scottish native her first professional defeat.
Since her first defeat, Wood has went on to fight the whose who of the division with the likes of current champion Alexa Grasso, Ariane Lipski, Jessica Andrade and Lauren Murphy all featuring on her resume.
Her final bout, at UFC 299, was a tough one. The first round was a tough one for Wood, with Moroz dictating the action and taking the opening stanza on all three judges score cards.
The second round was much closer, with two of the judges opting to go with Wood, whilst the third felt Moroz had done enough to clinch it.
The third round, again, was unanimous. In the latter stages of the round, Wood landed a monster spinning back first which sent Moroz crashing to the mat and all but secured the win for the 38-year-old.
After a quick interview with Joe Rogan in cage, Wood then addressed the media. When asked how she was feeling, Wood admitted that the emotions hadn't quite come to the surface yet but she had no doubt that they would. She said:
"They've not hit me yet, just had a couple of interviews that made me cry but afterwards I feel like adrenaline is still going so yeah, I am doing okay, I am not a sobbing mess... yet."
Now retired, Wood discussed her retirement plans and joked about taking over her husband, John Wood's gym. She said:
"Well, luckily I married I head coach who has a gym so that is my retirement, going to take over the gym. No, going to help him with the team, the gym, on Monday I get the new keys to the new house. It is a one floor so no more stairs, thats my retirement."
When asked what she would like to be remembered as, the 17 fight UFC veteran gave a short and sweet answer.
"Just a Scottish lass never gave up and my one motto was never give up and you don't have to be loud to be heard. "
Time and time again, fight fans have witnessed athletes retire, only to return to the cage months or years later. For Wood, she is at peace with never competing again and will not focus her time on helping the next generation of talent come through the ranks.
"A lot of people were like 'Why are you saying you're retiring? Don't say that.' But i am retiring on a good note. Even before this win, I was sure and I wanted it to be like that. I am good for money, I have worked my ass for this moment to walk away on a good note and know this is where I am supposed to be and I am healthy and happy and content and still going to be involved in martial arts and fighting, but just not myself."
Watch Joanne Wood's in cage interview, here:
