Anthony Johnson, Derrick Lewis -- it seems as if MMA fighters are retiring well before their time in 2017, and there are sure to be more coming.
Given the changing landscape of mixed martial arts, new owners, and promotions emerging, many are taking notice. Retirements are often not really "retirements" in the sport. We've seen Vitor Belfort backpedal on his retirement promises, while Anderson Silva seemingly has no end in sight.
Sports Betting Dime actually took a look at some of the odds of retirement this year, from everything to aging fighters, to dominant champions. Let's take a look.
Anderson Silva: 4/1
Vitor Belfort: 31/2
Demetrious Johnson: 19/1
There are several other examples, but these stick out. Johnson, a once-in-a-generation talent, has grown tired of the UFC's lack of promotion. Anderson Silva -- a 40-something legend -- has been on the outs with the company. Meanwhile, Vitor Belfort plays the hokey pokey with retirement on a regular basis.
UFC took a hit in 2016, as well. Brock Lesnar and Ronda Rousey could have had their final bouts, and Urijah Faber and Miesha Tate called it quits. Can the UFC afford to lose more high level talent with a declining PPV market in the absence of Conor McGregor?
