There are some fighters you don't ever push away from the sport of mixed martial arts (MMA).
With a legendary resume, all-time great finishing ability, and a pure heart for competition, Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Middleweight Dan Henderson (31-14 MMA, 8-8 UFC) is one of those fighters. But at 45 years of age and having won just two of his last eight Octagon appearances, the American's MMA career may be finally coming to an end, especially if he loses again to Lyoto Machida (22-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC) at UFC on FOX 19 on April 16.
The former Olympic wrestler recently opened up about the possibility of walking away from the sport and his upcoming rematch with "The Dragon" in an interview with MMA Junkie Radio (featured above).
"I think I've heard retirement talk for a few years now. This is the last fight on my current contract, we'll see what happens after that," said Henderson. "It's a possibility of me retiring soon, I don't know. After two, three more, or maybe this is the last one. It all depends on how I feel after this fight."
While the UFC has openly backed Henderson's efforts to continue fighting for as long as the accomplished fighter wants to, UFC president Dana White has certainly expressed some concerns about the legend's current state.
"He's shown a little bit of concern usually after a loss here and there. He'll call me up and see where my heads at," added Henderson. "He doesn't bug me about it or anything like that. Nobody from my camp or anywhere has said I should hang it up. I think the guys in my camp know what I'm capable of doing. It's been some bad luck with different things over the last couple of years that hasn't made the most effective fighting for me. This fight will definitely be different."
Hopefully Henderson will be able to right the ship next weekend opposite Machida because no matter what he and his camp believes, recent performances suggest it's time to step away.
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