Former UFC title challenger Jeff Monson, 55, retired after losing a decision to Ivan Soltoianu at IBA.PRO 21 in Brest, Belarus, on Oct. 25.
From 2 reports by 2 outlets
What we know
- Jeff Monson announced his retirement after IBA.PRO 21 in Brest, Belarus, on Oct. 25.
- Monson lost a decision to Ivan Soltoianu in his final boxing appearance; Soltoianu also announced his retirement.
- Monson was 55 and describes a career of 29 years and more than 100 contests.
- Monson fought Tim Sylvia for the UFC heavyweight title on Nov. 18, 2006, and is a multiple ADCC champion.
Jeff Monson announced his retirement after his farewell appearance at IBA.PRO 21 at the Viktoria Sports Club in Brest, Belarus, on Oct. 25. The International Boxing Association's event report lists his decision loss to Ivan Soltoianu as his final boxing bout and says both veterans announced they were retiring.
Monson, 55, described a career of 29 years and more than 100 contests. "Today was my last fight. I'm getting old, and my body is tired, but I've had an incredible time," he said in remarks published by the IBA.
In an Oct. 24 interview with the IBA, he said he wanted to finish on his own terms and show he could still compete. He also said sparring younger fighters in Yekaterinburg helped convince him it was time to pass on the torch.
Monson made his UFC debut in 2000 and fought Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title in November 2006. He is also a multiple ADCC champion.
Monson, 55, described a career of 29 years and more than 100 contests. "Today was my last fight. I'm getting old, and my body is tired, but I've had an incredible time," he said in remarks published by the IBA.
In an Oct. 24 interview with the IBA, he said he wanted to finish on his own terms and show he could still compete. He also said sparring younger fighters in Yekaterinburg helped convince him it was time to pass on the torch.
Monson made his UFC debut in 2000 and fought Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title in November 2006. He is also a multiple ADCC champion.
- Summary
- Former UFC title challenger Jeff Monson, 55, retired after losing a decision to Ivan Soltoianu at IBA.PRO 21 in Brest, Belarus, on Oct. 25.
- Key points (one per line)
- Monson lost to Ivan Soltoianu by decision in his farewell boxing bout on Oct. 25 in Brest, Belarus.
Both veterans announced their retirement afterwards, according to the IBA's event report.
Monson cited a 29-year career of more than 100 contests and a tired body.
- Also reported by (Name | URL per line)
- MiddleEasy | https://middleeasy.com/mma-news/jeff-monson-retirement-iba-pro21-brest-farewell/
Bloody Elbow | https://bloodyelbow.com/2026/10/27/ex-ufc-heavyweight-title-challenger-who-fought-daniel-cormier-retires-at-55-after-boxing-match-loss/
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Sources
MiddleEasy
Bloody ElbowSummarized with AI from the sources above. Read the originals for the full story.
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