Kenny Florian possibly facing retirement after injuring back

It appears popular UFC star Kenny Florian’s career may be over for reasons out of his control. While Florian had fully planned to fight again at 155 pounds after his failed featherweight experiment the 35-year old herniated a disc in his back this past November while lifting weights and is still experiencing issues stemming from the damage including pain/numbness.

“As of right now, obviously I can’t compete and train like I was at all. I’m just kind of doing what I can and hoping that things heal up and get better,” said Florian in a conversation with the Boston Herald. “I’m just kind of in a holding pattern. That’s why I decided to do this commentary for the time being and take this next six months to really heal up and try to make some money on the side. It sucks. The last couple of months I’ve just been figuring out what’s going on and what I’m going to do.”

Florian Explains Decision to Come Back to Lightweight

In terms of having to call it quits permanently, Florian replied, “It’s possible, unfortunately. I’ve kind of been going back-and-forth with some of the doctors, so it’s possible.”

“It’s not good,” he concluded on the topic. “That’s why I’m trying to stay hopeful. We’ll see.”

Florian holds an overall record of 14-6 and was one of the original cast-members of the Ultimate Fighter. Twelve of his wins have come inside the Octagon including those over notable adversaries such as Roger Huerta, Sam Stout, Clay Guida, and Joe Lauzon.

PHOTO CREDIT – UFC