Earlier today, Neil Seery announced his decision to retire from mixed martial arts following his upcoming bout with top ranked flyweight Ian ‘Uncle Creepy’ McCall at UFC Belfast.

Gunnar Nelson is set to headline the Belfast card against Dong Hyun Kimon November 19 that boasts the Dubliner’s swan song.

Speaking today at a media even at SBG Concorde, ‘Gunni’ waxed lyrical on the Team Ryano stalwart.

Asked what he admired about Seery, Nelson complimented the Irish flyweight’s fighting style and general demeanor.

“He’s just an original,” said Nelson.

“I don’t know what to call it exactly. To me, he just goes in there and he gives it his all. He’s just so fun to watch and he’s such a genuine, nice guy. I just love the guy and I love to watch him fight. You just know he’s going to fight his heart out in there. It doesn’t matter what happens, he’s still going to give it his all.”

Asked whether Seery should be proud of what he has done during his fighting career, Nelson said that he was proud of the Finglas native and that he looks up to him.

“Absolutely, he can be proud. I certainly think so. I’m proud of him anyway. Very much so. I look up to him in so many ways.”

@PetesyCarroll