Heavyweight Greg Rebello Announces Retirement Following Contender Series Defeat

Greg Rebello came up short in his latest attempt to reach the sport’s pinnacle, and now he is calling it a career after 33 mixed martial arts fights.

The 36-year-old heavyweight announced his retirement following a first-round knockout loss to Josh Parisian on Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series. Parisian dropped Rebello with a spinning backfist and finished his opponent off with follow-up punches 1:31 into the opening frame. As a result, Parisian earned a spot on the upcoming season of “The Ultimate Fighter.”

Rebello, who also suffered a knockout loss to Azunna Anyanwu on the first season of the Contender Series last summer, revealed his decision via Twitter.

“Thanks for the love everyone,” he wrote. “S—t happens. I’ve accomplished everything [and] more in this sport. That was the last one thank you.”

Thanks for the love everyone. Shit happens. I've accomplished everything n more in this sport. That was the last one thank you

— Greg Rebello (@grebello73) June 27, 2018

The Cranston, R.I., native exits MMA with a 24-9 career record, that included a lengthy stint with New England-based promotion CES MMA. Rebello also had two appearances under the Bellator MMA banner and had a brief stint on “TUF 11,” where he was defeated during the elimination round.

You've had a kick ass career, my friend. Was an honor calling your fights and getting to know you and the crew.

— Pat Miletich (@patmiletich) June 27, 2018

Much respect my friend

— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) June 27, 2018

@grebello73 is a legend in the north east & somebody a lot of fighters look up to including myself. Glad I got the honor of seeing him fight so many times.

— Nick Newell (@NotoriousNewell) June 27, 2018