When Is When?

[sensei8]

When is it time to retire from active MMA competition?

Maybe when ones loss record is about to catch up to ones win record?

Maybe when the loss record is about to pass the win record?

Maybe when the loss record has skyrocketed way pass the win record?

Maybe when the only record is in the loss column?

OR...

Maybe when the drive's no longer there?

Maybe when the fires been snuffed out?

Maybe when the light within is growing dim?

Maybe when the will is gone?

Maybe when the abilities are no longer realized by the fighter...finally?

Either way, it isn't pretty to witness. What's even worse is when the fighter doesn't even recognize that the end of their MMA career is near or has passed already.

Recognizing isn't a trait that's desired in any person when that recognition means to admit to oneself that it's time to retire; hang up the gloves, so to speak.

Denial becomes an enemy and this enemy isn't that easy to defeat. When one has their dreams and desires dashed and their hopes become nothing more than a distant memory, one has nothing to look forward to anymore.

Anyone who's ever retired from anything that they truly loved for whatever the reason knows exactly what it feels like. And for those who haven't, well, they only have speculations, but, they've no idea.

Many retire before they're star even shown. Championships never realized, but, never gave up on. Therefore, they fight! Therefore, they endure! Therefore, they continue. Still, retirement is a signal to the world that this is over and their existence is mere and nominal. But, it's not!

Remember I said that denial becomes an enemy. This enemy disguises itself cleverly. Doubting oneself, hating oneself, unworthyness, and the list goes on and on. Yesterdays are just that, but, believing in the many tomorrow's to still come, this brings the enemy to its knee. Dusting off themselves and fighting day by day in a regular everday can be and at times it is boring, but, it's still a pursuit for that championship that's within, and this can't be denied!

When is when? I bow to all who've been in any octogan because that alone takes courage and courage is a mark of excellence and courage is ever part of the martial arts. Is sooner before it's later? Because the ugly of it isn't pretty to witness for all. This topic isn't to single out or to point out any MMA fighter. No, it's to just ask...

When is when?

[bushido_man96]

Its time to hang it up when the fighter says its time. Perhaps he likes the competition, even if he doesn't win a lot anymore. Who cares? If he is happy, and he isn't in any danger by competing, then let them go as long as they want.

[sensei8]

Its time to hang it up when the fighter says its time. Perhaps he likes the competition, even if he doesn't win a lot anymore. Who cares? If he is happy, and he isn't in any danger by competing, then let them go as long as they want.

I stand corrected and I thank you! You're absolutely right.

This is a bad example. But! Pro-wrestlers retire more than once. They return because of the excitement of the crowd; the 'pop' is quite a rush to a pro-wrestler. They just want to have one last GREAT match!

OR...

Bret Farve retires...again. But! I'm sure his reasons are his own. I'd only assume that it's because he just loves it, and he would love to get a super bowl ring. Plus, I'm sure the 'pop' of the crowd is a rush in the NFL as well.

OK, I'll go back to my corner now.

[bushido_man96]

It is still a good question, and a good topic for discussion.

There are a few ways that it could be looked at:

1. from our MA viewpoint. We all agree that MA study is a lifelong endeavour, so competing as long as possible can fall into part of that.

2. from the fan/business viewpoing. MMA is big business, and the big wigs want the fans to watch, so they go with the hot fighters, or the stand-out up-and-comers that the fans like to watch. So, from that end, those who are hanging on might not get the matches they want, but will still try to work for them.