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4 ways to tell if a UFC fighter is ready for retirement

BBG News

As a long-time UFC fan and follower of the sport, I have seen many fighters come and go throughout my years of watching MMA. Each retirement brings a mix of emotions – excitement for what comes next in their lives, sadness for the end of an era, and sometimes concern for their wellbeing. Here are four signs that a fighter might be getting ready to retire:

As a dedicated gamer following UFC, I can empathize with the bittersweet feeling when one of my favorite fighters announces retirement. It’s not just about losing a sports hero for me, but also acknowledging the end of an era for their coaches and training partners. Plus, family and friends might worry about what lies ahead in the fighter’s next chapter. But remember, it’s their decision to make, and often, it comes at a time that may not align with our desires as fans. Here are four potential signs that could hint a UFC fighter is contemplating retirement:

Losing streak

From my perspective as a dedicated fan, it’s clear when a fighter is on a long losing streak, particularly against opponents they were previously dominating, that it might be past time for them to retire. Yet, some fighters such as Tony Ferguson and Sam Alvey persist in their pursuit of victories despite double-digit losses. At this point, it’s the fans and friends who often become concerned and may attempt to intervene.

Age

In the UFC, it’s uncommon to find fighters over the age of 40. Most athletes have reached their peak performance by this stage. Until recently, Andrei Arlovski at 45 and Holly Holm at 41 were the oldest active UFC fighters. However, when an athlete starts showing clear signs of aging, it may be a sign that retirement is approaching.

Talking about life after fighting

If a fighter frequently talks about retiring from the Octagon, it may indicate an issue. The expression goes, you can’t have one foot in the fighting ring and the other foot out. When a fighter starts making extensive plans for their life after combat sports, it could be a hint that they should consider hanging up their gloves.

Taking bad risks

A strong desire for victory or attempting to revive past success can be an indication that the initial passion has waned. Athletes, such as fighters, often take risks, but when these risks seem irrational, like accepting a fight with little notice and no potential gain, it’s a warning sign. Some athletes, in their desperation to win or prove themselves once more, may even end up making things worse for themselves.

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2024-07-18 05:13

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