Dana White Implores 3 UFC Veterans to Retire After UFC 310 Losses
UFC 310 marked a disappointing night for several veteran fighters, leading to a call for retirement from UFC President Dana White. Clay Guida, Chris Weidman, and Anthony Smith all suffered losses, prompting White to express his concerns about their continued participation in the sport.
Veteran Trio Suffers Defeats at UFC 310
The veteran trio faced differing opposition, each showcasing the complexities of a long MMA career.
Clay Guida, a former lightweight contender, battled Chase Hooper, a rising star in the division. The 17-year age gap proved noticeable as Hooper secured an armbar victory in the first round, highlighting the evolving landscape of the sport.
Chris Weidman, the former middleweight champion, faced Eryk Anders after their originally scheduled bout was scrapped at UFC 309 due to illness. Anders registered a TKO victory in the second round, further solidifying the challenges Weidman faces at this stage of his career.
Anthony Smith, a former light heavyweight title challenger, faced the returning Dominick Reyes. The fight ended in a brutal second-round knockout for Reyes, fueling persistent calls from fans for Smith’s retirement.
Adding weight to these calls, Reyes revealed that during the fight, Smith lowered his hands and requested Reyes to strike him, stating he “wanted to feel something.”
Dana White Calls for Retirement
Despite no official retirement announcements, White expressed his opinion he believes all three fighters should hang up their gloves. During the UFC 310 post-fight press conference, White stated, “They all retire tonight. They should all retire tonight.”
When questioned about another fighter’s performance, White grew visibly frustrated, suggesting that the line of questioning was an attempt to “sh*t on everybody on the card.” He emphasized his belief that these veterans have had illustrious careers and should move on to the next chapter.
The UFC fanbase largely aligns with White’s assessment, many feeling the defeats at UFC 310 served as a symbolic end to these legendary careers. Their undeniable contributions to the sport will be remembered for years to come.
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