The Retirement Controversy: Who Should Call the Shots?

It seems that a common subject has surfaced after nearly every UFC event, who should and who should not retire.

Fighters, just like other professional athletes, have a difficult time closing the door on the sport they love. Historically, forced retirements have usually come down to medical and health reasons. Yet, in the UFC that does not seem to be the case. Most fans are continually angered by Dana White’s proclamations about certain fighters needing to hang up the gloves. Forgotten in all the controversy is whether the UFC, Dana White, or the fighter themselves have important medical information that supports White’s viewpoints.

We all saw Chuck Liddell and Randy Couture suffer knockouts over the course of their careers. Liddell’s career came crashing down after a series of knockouts, but we never heard about any of Liddell’s likely health concerns. Fans are well aware of what a concussion entails. The NFL has placed the safety of its players at an all-time high following recent head trauma studies.

Remember, the UFC is not responsible for this information as the responsibility falls upon the various state commissions. Yet, now that the UFC has supplied its fighters with health insurance, one has to wonder if they are gaining awareness into the injuries that fighters are suffering.

Dana White has stood up and stated he does not want to make one dime of that kind of money. Props to the UFC for doing so. They must have known that Liddell’s injuries were enough to warrant them slamming the door on his career. Hints have been made to Wanderlei Silva, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira, Matt Hughes, Forrest Griffin, and the recently-retired Mirko Cro Cop. Also, the UFC has made it known that they are worried about the accumulation of damage Frankie Edgar has been suffering at 155 lbs. All signs point to the UFC truly caring about its fighters’ well-being.

So, the question remains, who should decide when a fighter retires? The commissions are ultimately responsible for licensing a fighter. If “Fighter Y” has just suffered consecutive knockouts losses and is 37 years old with 40 fights under their belt, the commissions have to step up and require extensive clearances by the fighter’s doctors. It should not come down to the UFC. You can’t leave it in the hands of the fighters. It has to come down to the commissions, looking out for the fighters they are responsible for regulating.