The UFC is widely considered to be one of the largest mixed martial arts companies. The company has significantly expanded its reach around the world, hosting numerous events in key regions with key consumer markets such as India, the Middle East and China.
2024 has been a great year for the company so far. It has already hosted some historic events from UFC 299 to UFC 298 and UFC 300, and has many more record-breaking events in the future, including UFC 302, which will take place against Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title. Ready to host an event. Dustin fights Poirier and Conor McGregor takes on Michael Chandler at UFC 303.
There’s no question that the UFC product is in its prime, but this year could also mean an emotional farewell for some of the biggest names in the world of mixed martial arts. In this article, look at the three biggest names in the UFC who could be hanging up their gloves in the UFC Octagon and heading into retirement.
3 UFC Fighters Who Could Retire in 2024
3. Dustin Poirier –
Dustin Poirier is one of the most recognizable names in UFC history. He joined the UFC in 2011 and is still an active fighter. Poirier has been a part of some of the biggest fights in the UFC, including three fights against Conor McGregor, Khabib Nurmagomedov and Justin Gaethje, one of the most entertaining fights in UFC history.
At UFC 299, Poirier faced upcoming UFC lightweight contender Benoit Saint-Denis. Poirier, known as “The Diamond,” showed why he is considered a veteran of the sport. He took control of the “God of War” and tried to strangle him four times, risking victory. He hooked Benoît Saint-Denis in the face in the second round, knocking him unconscious and sealing his victory.
This stunning victory gave Poirier his third chance at a UFC championship in his career, and perhaps his last chance at a title shot. Before his fight with Benoit Saint-Denis, many mixed martial arts commentators and experts predicted that Poirier might announce his retirement if he lost.
Poirier will now face UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 pay-per-view. In an interview with Fight Bananas, Poirier spoke about his possible retirement.
He said, “It could be my last fight. I haven`t made an official decision yet, but it could be. I’ve said this over and over again: I still have a lot of tread on the tires. I can beat these young guys; I just did it. It’s just like, how much do I want to give to this sport, because you don’t ride for free. I don’t want to make any decisions just off the way I’m feeling. I need to go out there and fight, like I said in Miami.”
This is likely Dustin Poirier’s last dance in the UFC Octagon. Win or lose, this could be the final destination of “The Diamond” and fans will get to witness the end of the Poirier era at UFC 302.
2. Jon Jones –
UFC heavyweight champion Jon Jones is currently suffering a serious chest injury while preparing for his championship defense against Stipe Miocic at UFC 295 at Madison Square Garden. He is away from the battle line.
Jones is still recovering, but recently returned to the gym in preparation for his return to the Octagon. Jones revealed that Dana White is already planning a return this year to face Stipe Miocic for the heavyweight title.
Without a doubt, no one can match Jon Jones’ career. He is the youngest ever UFC champion, has defended the title more than any other fighter, and has won championships in two different weight classes.
Jon Jones, now 36 years old, is considering retiring from the sport. According to some reports, he was scheduled to retire after his fight with Stipe at UFC 295 last year, but his injury extended his schedule.
Many believe this fight will be the last time “Bones” will fight in the Octagon. Like a mythical creature making his final appearance, he will keep his gloves in the Octagon and cement his place as one of the most dominant fighters to ever step into the UFC Octagon.
1. Conor McGregor –
Former two-division champion Conor McGregor is widely considered to be the face of his UFC. He managed to break several records, from the most goals in UFC history to the most watched matches. Conor McGregor is the most watched and highest paid UFC fighter of all time.
McGregor was able to create a brand for himself and remains popular today. Unfortunately, his thirst for battle seems to have waned. The mythical creature inside him disappeared. McGregor has suffered significant losses recently. He recently fought Dustin Poirier, who entered the Octagon and broke his leg. Since then, he has been busy with activities other than intense training in preparation for his return.
“Notorious” will return to the Octagon after a three-year layoff to face Michael Chandler at UFC 303. This could be the last time fans see Conor McGregor’s aura in the UFC Octagon, especially if he loses to Chandler.
Even Michael Chandler commented on the possibility of McGregor retiring after UFC 303 in a recent interview. He said: “You have to buy this Pay-Per-View because this could be the last time you see Conor McGregor fight. I truly believe what I will do to him on June 29 will warrant and merit him never stepping back in the octagon.”
Chandler continued, “That being said, Conor might be able to pull off the greatest comeback in combat sports history. The guy did snap his leg; it was a very gruesome injury, and many, many people wrote him off.”