Mitch Clarke called it quits after a decade of mixed martial arts competition at UFC 215.
Clarke showed incredible grit and toughness at the Edmonton show, where he withstood a sick barrage from Alex White before being stopped late int he second round with a front kick and follow-up strikes. Before being interviewed in the cage, both Daniel Cormier and Joe Rogan put over Clarke's toughness.
"I think that toughness has been the tale of my career. Pushing me beyond what my body is able to do is sheer will. It has been a pleasure to fight in front of my adopted hometown of Edmonton. Although I didn't get the result I wanted, it was an absolute pleasure to have my last professional fight here in Edmonton. This is the last time I'm going to put these on. Thank you, Edmonton," said Mitch Clarke.
You can see an excerpt from Fightful lead boxing writer David Tees' live UFC 215 coverage below.
Round Two: The round begins with Clarke attacking White with a few leg kicks, White responds by nailing Clarke with a right. White comes forward and he swings wildly against Clarke, the fighters clinch and exchange some elbow strikes. White catches an incoming Clarke with a front kick to the midsection, White clinches with Clarke and destroys him with a series of elbow strikes. White drops Clarke with a knee strike to the midsection and he allows him to stand up, White chases a backing Clarke while landing a multiple punch combination. White drops Clarke with a left and he allows him to stand up again, Clarke looks for a takedown and White mauls him with more elbow strikes. White drops Clarke with another punching combination and the referee jumps in.
Official Result: Alex White def. Mitch Clarke by TKO via strikes (4:36, R2)
Clarke started off his career 9-0, which earned him a UFC contract in 2011. He would only fight 7 times over the next six years. His record in the UFC ends at 2-5, but holds an impressive victory over Al Iaquinta in 2014 at UFC 173 that earned him a "Performance of the Night" bonus.
Clarke's record will stand at 11-5.
