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In the aftermath of UFC 310, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, UFC CEO Dana White made a bold statement regarding the future of several veteran fighters. Following a night filled with action, heartbreak, and pivotal moments, White addressed the difficult reality some fighters face after tough losses, urging multiple veterans to consider stepping away from the sport.
“They should all retire tonight,” White said firmly during the post-event press conference, leaving little room for ambiguity.
The card saw seasoned fighters like Clay Guida, Chris Weidman, and Anthony Smith fall short in their respective matchups, leading to a sad discussion about their careers.
Clay Guida, a UFC Hall of Famer known for his legendary 2009 battle with Diego Sanchez, faced 25-year-old Chase Hooper. Despite his wealth of experience, the 43-year-old was submitted in the first round. This marked Guida’s third consecutive loss, a sign that the relentless grind of MMA might have caught up with him.
Former middleweight champion Chris Weidman, once celebrated for dethroning Anderson Silva, suffered a TKO loss to Eryk Anders. At 40, Weidman has been unable to recapture his former glory, with his record now standing at 3-8 since 2015.
Anthony Smith, a former light heavyweight title challenger, entered his about against Dominick Reyes carrying the weight of personal tragedy after the loss of his coach. However, Smith was outclassed, succumbing to a second-round finish. In a poignant moment, Smith removed his gloves after the fight, signaling contemplation of retirement.
White has never been shy about advocating for fighters to step away when the time is right.
“If you’re not all in, this isn’t the sport for you,” White reiterated, emphasizing that MMA demands complete mental and physical dedication.
For beloved veterans, the decision to retire is often emotional, both for the fighters and their fans. However, White has consistently encouraged the move when fighters show declining performance.
As the UFC closes out 2024, the question looms: Will these fighters heed White’s advice and hang up their gloves? The decision will undoubtedly impact their legacies and the hearts of fans who have followed their storied careers.
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