Rinat Fakhretdinov uncertain about MMA future after UFC contract expires

Rinat Fakhretdinov has cast doubt on whether he will continue competing in MMA, saying he has found peace of mind away from the sport following the expiration of his UFC contract.

The 34-year-old Russian welterweight, who trains out of American Top Team, carries an impressive record of 24-1-1 and had established himself as one of the more dangerous fighters in his division. Known as "Gladiator," Fakhretdinov stands six feet tall with a 74-inch reach and has averaged nearly four takedowns per 15 minutes throughout his career, complementing a striking output of 5.03 significant strikes per minute. His UFC tenure ended without a contract renewal after he stopped Andreas Gustafsson in just 54 seconds last September.

That finishing win came at the expense of Gustafsson, the Swedish fighter nicknamed "Bane" who competes out of Vasteras Fight Club. The 35-year-old holds a record of 12-3-0 and had been a productive offensive fighter, landing 5.82 significant strikes per minute at a remarkable 71 percent accuracy. Despite those numbers, he could not withstand Fakhretdinov on the night.

Before any decision on his MMA future becomes clearer, Fakhretdinov is scheduled to step onto the grappling mats on July 5 against Armen Petrosyan. The Armenian fighter, nicknamed "Superman" and also 35 years old, holds a 9-5-0 professional record and stands six-foot-three with a 71-inch reach. Petrosyan competes out of Academy MMA and has shown a high-volume striking approach in MMA, averaging 5.84 significant strikes per minute.

Why it matters

• Fakhretdinov's uncertainty leaves a 24-1-1 welterweight potentially available outside the UFC at a competitive age
• His July 5 grappling appearance against Petrosyan may offer clues about his competitive appetite going forward
• The welterweight division could lose a proven finisher if he chooses to step away entirely