Dovydas Dirkstys announces retirement from professional fighting

Professional fighter Dovydas Dirkstys has announced his retirement from combat sports following a bout against Sergejus Maslobojevas at the Žalgirio arena on September 26. Dirkstys cited a diagnosed metacarpal fracture and the physical and emotional exhaustion of managing recurring injuries as the primary reasons for his decision, stating, “Today I choose health and a future beyond the ring.”

The fight against Maslobojevas ended in the second round when Dirkstys was unable to continue due to his hand injury, resulting in a technical knockout victory for Maslobojevas. The decision has sparked debate within the combat sports community. Dirkstys addressed criticisms from fellow fighter Eimantas Stanionis, who had previously characterized Dirkstys' withdrawal as “running away.”

In response, Dirkstys appealed to the shared experiences of athletes, noting that fights must sometimes be stopped early for safety. He emphasized his right to protect his health, stating, “It is strange when my decision to stop due to an injured hand is called running away. From a person who has himself experienced what it means not to finish an important fight, I would expect more understanding and fewer rushed labels.”