Irish MMA fighter Cathal Pendred has announced his retirement from the sport.

The 28-year-old UFC fighter released a statement, confirming that he has quit in order to pursue other interests.

The Dubliner, who lost his last two UFC bouts, says that he no longer has the passion to continue fighting but that he hopes to continue his involvement in the sport.

Onto the next chapter..... pic.twitter.com/ebKMx666qP

— Cathal Pendred (@Pendred) November 25, 2015

After winning his first four fights in the UFC, Pendred lost his two most recent bouts.

The latter came last month in a knockout defeat to Tom Breese in Dublin.