3 UFC fighters who should retire immediately

Whether it be poor performances, diminished skills or mounting health issues, there are always signs fighters are past their sell-by date and are taking more of a risk than normal to continue their career. Perhaps some hope for a late-career renaissance or perhaps believe their big break is right around the corner, but for these three combatants, it’s time to call it a career.

Chris Weidman

From 2012 to 2015 Chris Weidman was on the path toward greatness. He won the middleweight titles and defeated the likes of Demian Maia, Lyoto Machida and the legendary Anderson Silva (twice). His fortunes gravely changed after he lost his title to Luke Rockhold, and he never recaptured his top form. Weidman has only one win in his last six fights and has been stopped in each loss. Weidman’s body cannot take the punishment anymore, as evident by the injuries he sustained and surgeries needed to keep him active. With such savage defeats it is best he considers a new avenue of employment.

Anderson Silva

While there is nothing that will take away the accomplishments of Anderson Silva, perhaps the most decorated fighter in UFC history, there is also little pleasure in watching the shell of that man perform today. Had it not been for a poorly scored decision over Derek Brunson in 2017, Silva would be winless since 2012. Silva’s body is failing him, and he is becoming less serviceable each time he steps in the cage. With nagging leg injuries and PED scandals not all the way behind him, Silva can at least retire with his dignity and whatever remains of his health.

Andrei Arlovski

Why in the world does the UFC still have Andrei Arlovski under contract? The former heavyweight champion needs some kind of intervention to save him from himself. Arlovski is 3-9 dating back to 2016 and the level of competition he has lost to has devolved from elite to prospect to unexceptional.

When it comes to Weidman and Silva, their glory days aren’t too far behind them. An upstart can gain something from sharing the ring with the diminished stars, but Arlovski has so little to offer that a win over him feels hollow. Arlovski has no interest in retiring, which is why the UFC might need to step in and bring the faded ex-champ a dose of reality.

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