At the UFC on FOX post-fight press conference, Carlos Condit sounded as if he might live up to his characterization that Saturday night’s fight against Demian Maia was “make or break.” The decisive loss on Saturday could mean he moves on to a new career. He is only 32 years old, but that includes 39 pro fights (30-9), which is a lot mileage no matter his age.
“I don’t know if I have any business fighting at this level anymore,” he said. “I’ve been at this a really long time. The pressure of being a top guy for almost a decade has been awesome but I don’t know if I belong here anymore, we’ll see.”
That wasn’t quite a retirement announcement, and anything said right after a high-profile pivotal loss that could have cost him another chance at the title shouldn’t be considered the final word or indicative of how he’ll feel in a few weeks. That said, retirement is definite consideration.
“It’s definitely been in the back of my mind for a while now,” he said. “There comes a point in every fighter’s career when they question how much longer they’re going to do that. I don’t know what’s in the cards. I’m leanings towards probably… possibly being done.”
Condit recognizes he lost to a world class experienced credible fighter. “He’s obviously a super high level jujitsu practitioner,” he said, regarding Demian Maia. “He puts together his passing with his striking and that’s why he’s as good as he is.”
Cervantes’s Analysis: Condit has spoken quite candidly and openly leading up to this fight about feeling as though the end of his career is near. He has voiced concerns about his health and admitted he was unsure about how much more damage his body could sustain. If he desires to stay in the world of MMA, he is a very intelligent fighter and could easily transition into a role as an analyst or commentator for the company. If this is the end, he’ll always be remembered by fans as a supremely talented, tenacious, and versatile fighter who performed at an elite level for the entirety of his career and gave everything he had to put on entertaining fights.
CHECK THIS OUT NEXT… Condit says stakes are high on Saturday night and retirement is an option if he loses
Condit says stakes are high on Saturday night and retirement is an option if he loses
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