Anthony Smith announced his retirement plans before his final fight, which ended in a first-round TKO loss, prompting UFC veteran Matt Brown to caution against planning retirement fights due to the risk of facing opponents with more determination and focus.
Anthony Smith announced his retirement plans before his fight in Kansas City, where he suffered a first-round TKO loss to Zhang Mingyang. Despite training nearby in Omaha, Smith’s final bout ended with a brutal elbow and a barrage of punches.
Matt Brown, a UFC legend, believes announcing retirement plans often leads to disappointing outcomes. Fighters with one foot out the door face opponents fully committed to their careers.
Brown shares Dana White’s sentiment: if you’re contemplating retirement, it might be time to stop. Fighters like Robbie Lawler handle it well, but most struggle when they’re not fully invested.
Fighting comes with inherent risks. Brown emphasizes that entering the octagon with divided focus is dangerous, especially when facing opponents still hungry for success.
Reflecting on his own career, Brown didn’t plan his retirement. He knocked out Court McGee, but later realized he’d lost the drive to compete. He believes fighters should recognize when it’s time to walk away.
While understanding the desire for a last hurrah, Brown has witnessed more defeats than victories in farewell fights. The mentality of retiring fighters often clashes with opponents eager for glory.
Some fighters manage to succeed with divided focus, like Jon Jones, but for most, full commitment is essential. Brown advises against setting up retirement fights, urging athletes to consider the risks.
Brown wishes fighters would weigh all factors before announcing retirement plans. Entering the ring with a different mindset than your opponent can lead to being a step behind.
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