Only three months after winning in his return to the Cage Warriors promotion and calling for a lightweight title shot, Martin Svensson says he is retiring from MMA. Svensson (15-6), a UFC and “Ultimate Fighter” veteran, made the announcement Thursday on his Facebook page, saying he was making “a balanced decision to stop on my own terms.” Svensson said he planned to continue competing in grappling and jiu-jitsu tournaments, but was stepping away from MMA because at 31, after eight years in the sport, his body could no longer take the punishment. Svensson fought Jim Alers for the featherweight title at Cage Warriors 59 in September 2013, but dropped a unanimous decision. Alers went on to sign with the UFC. After a loss to future UFC signee Artem Lobov, Svensson returned to Cage Warriors for a decision win over Robbie Olivier, then outpointed Dave Hill at Cage Warriors 71 in August 2014.