Following his quick submission defeat at the hands of Demian Maia at UFC on FOX 21 Saturday night, former UFC interim welterweight title holder Carlos Condit is seriously considering hanging it up. The 32-year-old Jackson-Winkeljohn product has been competing professionally since 2002 and has put together an impressive 30-10 resume. However, he has dropped five of his last seven fights and told reporters at the post-fight press conference he may no longer be able to take a punch like he used to.
“Honestly, I’ve had a tough career with a lot of fights, and I’ve taken a lot of punishment. And I don’t know if I can continue to take shots, honestly.” -Carlos Condit
No one ever likes to hear about one of their favorite fighters calling it a career. But it’s important to remember what a tough hard grueling sport mixed martial arts is. Fourteen years this guy has been fighting in the professional ranks. “The Natural Born Killer” was the defending and last WEC welterweight champion of the Zuffa-owned organization when the UFC assimilated the division in 2008. He’s had multiple “Fight of the Night” awards with some legendary battles against the likes of Georges St-Pierre, Johny Hendricks, Robbie Lawler and Martin Kampmann to name a few.
If it’s time for Carlos to move on with his life, then so be it. He should be celebrated for the contributions he’s made to the advancement of MMA as a sport and the great showing of martial skill and spirit he’s displayed throughout his career. But whatever we do, let’s not look down upon or think less of him, if it is indeed his time to retire. His honesty is refreshing.