Fan favourite Brittney Palmer announces retirement after UFC 296

An icon of the UFC has received a flood of support online after announcing her shock departure from the sport after 16 years.

UFC Octagon girl Brittney Palmer has announced her shock retirement from the sport.

The American stunner joined mixed martial arts’ premier promotion a whopping 16 years ago and has become part of the furniture, The Sun reports.

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Fan favourite Palmer’s gig with the UFC has seen her travel across the world and provided her with new opportunities.

But she’s decided to move on to pastures new after the best part of two decades with the promotion.

The stunning model and artist revealed plans to hang up her octagon girl gear early on Friday morning at the World MMA Awards, where she announced this weekend’s UFC 296 pay-per-view card will be her final outing.

Arianny Celeste and Palmer became fan favourites wherever they went.

Palmer is walking away after 16 years. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

After scooping the Ring Girl of the Year award, she said: “Thank you everyone. I truly am honoured to accept this award.

“Thank you to the UFC. Fighters Only, and all the fans who voted for me.

“Well, there’s no better time to say it. But after 16 years with UFC, I’ve decided to retire.

“This weekend will be my last event, and I’m so, absolutely grateful for this unforgettable experience.”

An emotional Palmer then began to thank everyone who has supported her during her, including UFC president and Chief Executive Dana White.

“I’ve travelled the world and met some incredible people, and I’ve met some lifelong friends,” she said.

“I will forever appreciate the memories and I’m so excited for the future.

“Thank you to the UFC, Dana White and to all the fans for this incredible honour.

“I’m truly blessed to be a part of this journey. I love you guys.”

Scores of MMA fans and fighters commented on Palmer’s imminent departure, including heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

“Brittney has not only been an amazing ambassador for the UFC, but for women in this industry in general,” Jones said.

“Brittney has always represented herself and the company with pure class.

“She’s become her own brand. This is a real loss for UFC and its fans.

“She’s an unstoppable young lady, sky is truly the limit.”

After announcing emotionally announcing her farewell, Palmer laid down her shorts on the podium and left the stage.

Palmer, who has raised over $151,000 for charities by selling paintings, made her octagon debut back in 2011 at UFC 125.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.