“After much deliberation since my fight at UFC 128 I have decided to step away from the sport as a fighter,” Almeida wrote. “I will continue to fully support the UFC as a coach and of course as a big fan. I would like to thank [UFC CEO] Lorenzo Fertitta and [UFC President] Dana White for their leadership and vision which brought the sport to new heights. I would also like to thank [UFC matchmaker] Joe Silva for giving me the opportunity to compete among the best martial artists in the world.”“Back in 2008 I decided to return to MMA. Since then I have had the privilege of fighting eight times in the UFC,” Almeida wrote. “As a competitor I can think of no bigger thrill than to stand in the center of the octagon with my hands raised. During these almost four years it has been a personal struggle to find balance between my fighting career, caring for my son who was diagnosed with autism soon after I signed a six-fight deal with the UFC, teaching at my growing Jiu-Jitsu Academy and the family duties we all have.“MMA is a great sport but also physically and mentally unforgiving,” he added. “It is a dangerous task to step in the octagon, [especially] if your focus is not at 100 [percent].”