former sengoku fighter nick denis retires from mma...

"The Ninja of Love" elaborates:

"In the last couple years, and especially in the last few months leading up to my May 5th fight, while sparring I would notice that when I got hit, it would affect me more and more. When I first started sparring I would run through punches unaffected. Not only that, but now training at Tristar, I am literally training with the worlds best. We are all training at the highest level, all for the same reasons. Could I fight in the UFC, against the best fighters in our solar system, literally trained killers, without sparring in training? Not really, so what was I to do? I have made the decision to retire."

In addition to the above quote, Denis explained his research on concussions, as well as sub-concussive trauma.

Of course, neither is something he wanted to absorb, and he explained the harsh damage that sub-concussive trauma can have on a person. He made a promise to himself that he'd retire from MMA after his next concussion, but he decided to quit while he was ahead and avoid the risks of sparring as well.

For a relatively young fighter with such promise, it is disappointing to not see him continue his MMA career.

However, he's taken a respectable route, one that other older fighters may be well advised to consider for themselves. Denis probably has a bright future ahead of him, and he has now accomplished one of his biggest life goals.

http://www.mmamania.com/2012/11/23/3681020/ufc-bantamweight-nick-denis-retires-mixed-martial-arts-mma

remember the ko this kid recieved from marlon sandro in sengoku