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I'm surprised at the amount of GSP hate on these forums. I mention GSP because he is the biggest example, but other examples are the WMMA fighters GDR at 145 and Nicco Monano at 125.
It seems people are pissed that GSP vacated 170 without giving Hendricks a rematch, and then vacated 185 without fighting Whittaker. I'm baffled as to why that would upset people, other than simply being disappointed that you don't get to see more GSP fights.
It seems to come down to this notion that the champion "must fight until they lose". Like a passing of the torch, the champion is somehow obligated to eventually yield their legacy to the newer generation. I cannot overstate how much I disagree with this absurd notion.
The only exception I would agree with, is when champions refuse to fight and finally vacate the belt after holding the division up for a year. Nicco Montano would fall into this category. However, GSP graciously vacated his titles rather quickly in both cases. He didn't hold up divisions.
So my question is: Sherdoggers that believe in this nonsense, how do you justify that a "champion must fight until they lose"???
Georges retired at 32 in an undeveloped sport to duck evolving competition that was passing him by or at least getting close. Let's call it like it is. You nostalgics are unbearable. Pretending that 30 year olds, and even 28 year olds are "out of their prime" as an excuse as to why they aren't on top anymore when people older than them are still competing at a higher level. All the great fighters in boxing last generations. Why should MMA be any different? Especially when it's underdeveloped and the true measure of a great fighter is their ability to adapt to higher competition? GSP will be left in the dust very soon, and he'll have nobody to blame but himself. Deal with it.