Australian heavyweight Justin Tafa has been released from the UFC roster and will be stepping away from mixed martial arts competition indefinitely.
It was reported that the 31-year-old was let go by the promotion after he withdrew from Fight Night Perth with an illness during the weigh-ins.
Tafa notched four wins, five losses and one no-contest in his six-year UFC run, scoring highlight-reel knockouts over Juan Adams, Harry Hunsucker, Parker Porter and Austen Lane.
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The NTG Fight and Fitness product took to social media after the news was reported to address his fans.
"Taking time out of this fight game," Tafa wrote on Instagram.
"The body and mind needs time to recover, six major surgeries in the last three years does that to you.
"Time to enjoy the other fruits of life for now and enjoy watching my kids grow. Thank you UFC, had some good times in there.
While his short-term future in the sport has come to an end, 'Bad Man' Tafa hasn't ruled out a potential return to the cage once his body rebounds to full fitness.
"God willing If I return to fight again I will be a lot healthier and able to show you my true potential.
"If not then God has something else planned in store for me. I appreciate all the support and love, you guys pushed me on when I thought I couldn’t."
Justin's brother Junior remains a fixture of the light heavyweight division despite also pulling out of UFC Perth with a suspected injury.