Former UFC flyweight title challenger Chris Cariaso retires

Chris Cariaso is grateful to be stepping away from MMA on his own terms.

The 34-year-old flyweight announced his retirement in an interview with John Morgan of MMAjunkie.com. Cariaso went 17-8 in his career, including a 7-6 record in the UFC where he was previously considered to be a top-10 fighter in both the 125- and 135-pound divisions.

"I've decided after 22 years of active fighting under the umbrella of Zuffa to call it a career," said Cariaso. "It's a bittersweet decision, as fighting and competing in a ring or cage is about all that I have known for a lifetime.

"The last four-and-a-half years fighting under the umbrella of Zuffa have been nothing short of amazing. I have so many memories and have been able to travel the world doing what I love best. Honestly, my life is what many only get to dream about and I have to thank so many people for making dreams a reality to me."

Cariaso was a carryover from the UFC's integration of the World Extreme Cagefighting roster in 2010. The WEC was a Zuffa property that showcased the lighter weight classes, including current champions Demetrious Johnson and Dominick Cruz.

The peak of Cariaso's run was a flyweight championship fight against Johnson at UFC 178 in 2014. Johnson defeated Cariaso by submission, starting a streak of three straight losses to close out Cariaso's career.

With two gyms and a family to tend to, Cariaso sounds like he is at peace with his decision.

"I'm excited for this next chapter in my life," said Cariaso. "I'm young still, and I'm healthy still, and I feel that this is the right time to retire. I have so much more to offer the world as a trainer, entrepreneur, and father."