What started out as a late replacement call-up to fight Daniel Cormier turned into a quite lengthy UFC career for former coffee barista Patrick Cummins.

The veteran light heavyweight announced his retirement from MMA on Tuesday, putting an end to nine years as a professional fighter.

“I’ve given the idea of retirement a lot of careful consideration over the past 6 months,” Cummins wrote in a statement on Instagram. “Today is the day that I officially say goodbye to my 20+ year long career as an athlete. It’s not an easy decision to make especially when a competitive life is all I’ve ever known. I’m not quite sure what the next chapter will be titled, but I know one thing for certain. I won’t spend any more time involved in something that my heart isn’t 100% into. I spent over year in the UFC where that was the case but I wasn’t completely aware of it. Turns out that’s probably one of the hardest places to go through the motions. Live and learn.

“I want to thank my friends, family, loved ones, coaches, sponsors and training partners who’ve had a hand in shaping me over the years,” he continued. “You all know who you are and I love you. One group of people I’ve left out is my fans. I’ve been able to do extraordinary things with your moral support. In good times and especially bad, many of you have reached out with motivation or praise over the years that I could never understand. For that, I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. I don’t think anyone can look back at their career and be completely satisfied with it, but one thing I wouldn’t change for anything is the unique group of amazing fans I’ve managed to curate. I love you all too.

“Last but not least all the photos and videos here are from the best in the business and my dear friends since day one. The lovely [Esther Lin] and handsomely mustached [E. Casey Leydon].”

Cummins memorably stepped in to save the UFC 170 co-main event after Rashad Evans withdrew from his matchup with Daniel Cormier due to injury. While Cummins was quickly stopped by the future light heavyweight champion, he would win four of his next five fights inside the Octagon, including a decision over Antonio Carlos Junior.

In recent years, “Durkin” was able to get the better of current contender Jan Blachowicz and Gian Villante, but ended his career on a three-fight losing skid against Corey Anderson, Misha Cirkunov, and most recently a TKO vs. Ed Herman in May.

Cummins retires with a record of 10-7, with a 6-7 mark in the UFC.