'I couldn't lift my daughter up after training' - Avila retires

Avila made her UFC debut in 2019

Julia Avila says she knew it was time to retire from MMA when she struggled to pick her daughter up after a training session.

The 36-year-old American hung up her gloves following defeat by Jacqueline Cavalcanti at UFC Fight Night in Las Vegas on Saturday.

Speaking at her post-fight news conference with her daughter on her knee, Avila revealed she'd made the decision to retire before the bout.

"I remember one time after a hard training session, it was really difficult for me to pick up my daughter," said Avila.

"We just sat down on the ground and cried because I couldn't lift her up. I was so injured and I knew it was time then."

Avila fought six times in the UFC, winning three of her fights.

She exits the sport having won nine of 13 bouts since making her debut in 2012.

"I'm taking time away from watching [my daughter] grow up," added Avila.

"The money, the energy, the time – I just don't have enough of it.

"I have to choose between being a mother and an athlete, and her needs far outweigh my dreams. It was time to put someone else first instead of me."