One of MMA's longest and most colorful careers has come to an end. Following his loss to Bellator lightweight champion Michael Chandler at Friday's Bellator 67 event, Akihiro Gono (32-18-7) announced his retirement from the sport. The Japanese veteran made the announcement in a post-event press conference following the MTV2-televised event. At Casino Rama in Ontario, Canada, Gono proved no match for recently crowned titleholder Chandler in their headlining non-title fight. Chandler connected with a straight right that floored Gono, and he then unloaded a lightning-quick flurry of punches to prompt the TKO stoppage just 56 seconds into the fight. An emotional Gono received a standing ovation when he made the retirement announcement afterward. Gono, 37, made his pro debut way back in 1994. He fought for some of his country's biggest organizations – PRIDE, Shooto, Pancrase and World Victory Road/Sengoku – while mixing in some North American appearances with the UFC and Bellator. Although he never held a major title, he earned a strong following thanks to his crafty fighting style and sometimes-over-the-top ring and cage entrances. Feels like Gono's been around forever. That guys had a loooooong career and fought literally everywhere. Dude had some of the most eccentric entrances in PRIDE that i recall.
Yeah, that Chandler loss was bad to watch, glad he's picked the right time to call it a day The guy has fought a who's who of MMA fighters and should be proud of his career. Hope he enjoys his retirement
