5 UFC Stars Who Might Retire By The End Of The Year 2023

In the relentless arena of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), fighters often face a stark crossroads: the decision to retire or continue their quest for glory. As 2023 unfolds, we find ourselves at the precipice of change, where some of the sport’s most storied warriors contemplate the final chapter of their careers.

Two icons, Shogun Rua and Glover Teixeira, recently penned their final verses in the octagon, leaving fans with bittersweet memories. Their farewells remind us that even the toughest warriors have their curtain calls.

1) Stipe Miocic

Widely regarded as the greatest UFC heavyweight of all time, finds himself at a career crossroads. After suffering a devastating KO loss to Francis Ngannou in 2021, the 40-year-old took a hiatus to recuperate and reflect on his future.

In January, Miocic tweeted, “I got a winner in July, hinting at a potential comeback. However, with Jon Jones scheduled to contest for the vacant heavyweight title at UFC 285 in March, questions swirl around about where the former champ fits into the equation. Could this be Stipe’s last chance to ride off into the sunset, leaving a legacy etched in gold?

2) Dominick Cruz

Often touted as the ‘G.O.A.T.’ of the bantamweight division, has had a career peppered with injuries and unfortunate setbacks. His journey began with the WEC’s merger into the UFC, where he clinched the inaugural bantamweight title at WEC 53, a historic moment as it marked the only UFC title fight held outside the promotion.

Cruz’s career is a testament to his resilience. After defeating Demetrious Johnson in 2011, a series of injuries kept him on the sidelines for three long years. A brief return in 2014 set the stage for another title run, but another injury dashed those hopes. In 2016, he returned in style, reclaiming the gold by defeating TJ Dillashaw and successfully defending it against old rival Urijah Faber.

However, Cruz’s fortunes took a sharp downturn at UFC 207, where he was soundly defeated by Cody Garbrandt, losing his title in the process. More injuries followed, sidelining him for an additional four years.

Since 2020, the former champ has stepped into the cage four times, securing victory on two occasions. Known for his impeccable movement and timing, Cruz’s unavoidable inactivity raises questions about his longevity. Could 2023 be the year he decides to hang up his gloves?

3) Jan Bachowicz

Renowned for his ‘Polish Power,’ has carved out a remarkable career spanning nearly a decade in the UFC. The Polish warrior experienced the highs and lows of the fight game, culminating in his Cinderella moment at UFC 253 in 2020. Bachowicz, after years of toil, secured a shot at the vacant light-heavyweight title and triumphed over Dominick Reyes.

His title defence against Israel Adesanya showcased his elite skills, making him the first fighter to hand ‘The Last Stylebender’ his first MMA loss. However, the taste of success can be fleeting in the world of MMA. In 2021, he surrendered his title to Glover Teixeira, a formidable adversary.

Bachowicz’s journey back to the top faced a hiccup when his fight against Magomed Ankalaev ended in a majority draw, halting his immediate quest for redemption. At 39, the question looms large: how much longer can he maintain his status among the elite? While he has demonstrated all the requisite skills, the sands of time wait for no one.

4) Holly Holm

Forever etched in MMA history for her sensational knockout of Ronda Rousey in 2015, is another fighter approaching the twilight of her career. “The Preacher’s Daughter” has tested herself against the very best in the business and left a piece of her heart in the cage.

Since the iconic Rousey victory, Holm has participated in ten bouts, emerging victorious on four occasions. Her most recent contest ended in a contentious decision loss to Ketlen Viera in May of the previous year. At 41, she continues to exude motivation and determination. Still, as she explores ventures beyond the UFC and mixed martial arts, the sands in her fighting hourglass might be dwindling.

The former boxing champion could potentially make a return to the ring before retiring from combat sports altogether. While her options remain open, her UFC contract features only a handful of fights. Thus, fans should cherish Holm’s remaining time in the cage.

5) Jorge Masvidal

The BMF (Baddest Motherf****r) champion, has set the UFC ablaze since joining the promotion in 2013. He’s eternally celebrated for his jaw-dropping flying knee knockout of Ben Askren at UFC 239 in 2019.

However, in the last couple of years, Gamebred has faced considerable challenges. He fought for the title twice, falling short on both occasions against Kamaru Usman. In addition, his arch-rival, Colby Covington, secured a victory over him at UFC 272 in March.

With three demanding losses in a row, fans are beginning to question how much of a challenge Jorge can pose for the welterweight elite. In 2021, Masvidal provided insight into his future, stating, “When I go to the gym with myself and the younger generations and I can no longer hang with them, then I know it’s time for me to hang it up. At 38, could 2023 be the year he pens his fighting swan song?.