Maggie Grindatti retired on the mat today at the 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Championships, setting her rash guard on the mat to make official her plans which she announced earlier this week.

A few days before the 2023 IBJJF No-Gi World Championship started, the 2022 IBJJF European champ on an Instagram Live the decision to retire from competition after No-Gi Worlds. 

Maggie was stopped by Elizabeth Katherine Mitrovic in her “last dance” during the medium heavyweight quarterfinals, and she left her rash guard on the mats as a symbol of retirement. 

Over the last few years, Grindatti has been focusing on her business, the Championfit gym in Miami, Florida. She said she found it difficult to split her time between high-level competition and being a coach.

“It’s been something I’ve been battling with the last three years as my career made it hard to be on the mat full time.” Grindatti said in an interview with FloGrappling.  “The level the sport is at, if you're not giving it 100% it’s hard, especially the girls I am competing against.”

“I love No-Gi and a No-Gi world title was the last one I won [2019]. It also being in Las Vegas feels right. I love the vibe here when it comes to competing and my mom will be able to make it for the first time in 3.5 years following an accident my dad was in. So the stars are aligning and whether that is because a world title is coming or it’s just the perfect moment to step away.”

Recently, Grindatti began working with clients online and took on additional work. She said she hadn’t felt able to train like a professional.

“it’s time to focus on the blessing and opportunity that I have that is my business and give it my 100%,” she said. It deserves that and I deserve that.”

Even though she decided to retire from the mats, she is still working with high-level athletes as a coach. She has trained the former UFC double champ Amanda Nunes, the Nationally Ranked Rugby Team, and several; world champion jiu-jitsu competitors.

“I believe my experience on the mat and as an athlete helps tremendously when being a coach. I like to be able to relate to my athletes and besides my husband Luccas Lira, who won his first gi world title training with me,” she said.