With fan favorite mixed martial arts legends like Randy Couture, Chuck Liddell and Mirko Cro Cop recently hanging up the gloves, there is definitely a changing of the guard happening with MMA in 2011. Many people are also saying that the time is right for Wanderlei Silva to follow suit.
It is the brutal question in any aging and declining professional athlete’s mind: When is the right time to retire from the game you love with no regrets?
Nick Diaz’s destruction of BJ Penn this weekend has prompted the 32-year-old Penn to look in the mirror and ponder that very decision. Penn hinted at his retirement in the cage immediately following his loss but common belief and hope is that Penn steps back and takes his time with the finality of that decision.
Here are Penn and five fighters who retired too soon.