Peak and over the hill ages in MMA

[Antix]

What would you say are the fighting prime ages in MMA and what do you consider “retirement talk” age?

I’d say prime/peak age in MMA is 29 to 33

I’d say over the years it seems 35 is starting to get on a bit, and by 40 you’re in dangerous territory if still fighting in the UFC. I think Randy Couture being the exception but that’s pre USADA era.

 

[Kyler Ruxin]

UFC retirement and MMA retirement ages are different. At some point you gotta get to the leagues where you can juice to the gills. Once you start getting smashed in those leagues, it's time for retirement.

 

[surgeyou1]

Depends on injuries and mileage. I'd generally say 28-34 is the sweet spot. Younger the lower the division.

 

[Tapatio]

Angela Over The Hill

 

[Gio]

Depends on the fighter really. Gotta take account the mileage, damage took over the years, injuries and wear and tear. You got Raoni Barcelos who's a prospect at 33, and Michael Johnson who seems to be on his way out at 34. Shogun's decline started when he's 31. Bisping became the world champ at 37. Really depends on the fighter's situation. But if I gotta give a certain age, I'd say by 40 is the start of decline for the most, and you should be thinking of retirement by that age

 

[Iron Nick]

How often will we have these threads? It depends on the fighter!
Yoel looked his best at 40, Silva at 35, whereas Aldo and GSP slowed down at 30.

 

[It-is-what-it-is]

Overeem looked so slow tonight, he used to be so fast and explosive.
I don't think there's a specific number imo. I think you're time's up when you lose your speed and explosive power.

 

[PlasticFishBowl]

Probably start slowing down and regressing around age 32 for strikers and 34 for wrestlers.

There are exceptions though. If a guy doesn’t have a ton of fights and damage, then he might stay in his prime a few extra years. If he has 35 fights and knee/back injuries he maybe shot by 30.

 

[The XL]

Depends on the fighter. We've seen guys be shot before 30 and others peak in their late 30s.

 

[filthynumber1]

Depends on injuries and mileage. I'd generally say 28-34 is the sweet spot. Younger the lower the division.

Nailed it. Depends on the mileage

Everyone is different.
Shogun was done at 29. Couture fought till 45 (pre USADA)
Fuck I miss pre USADA

No exact magic number csn really defines it. But I'd say around 30 ish you start slowing down

Like this post if you'd like USADA to fuck off


And please remember fighters are doping anyways. USADA just made it harder.

 

[Thrawn33]

The Blood of the Old must be shed to feed the New.

So it it is written, so let it be done

 

[RetiredSlave]

Many factors involved. Generally the lighter weight classes, reliant on speed diminish faster. HWs can get by on power alone well into their thirties. Milage and style are huge factors as well.

 

[KoreanZawmbie]

Depends on the fighter. We've seen guys be shot before 30 and others peak in their late 30s.

Age doesn't apply to HW's for some reason.

 

[HHJ]

What would you say are the fighting prime ages in MMA and what do you consider “retirement talk” age?

I’d say prime/peak age in MMA is 29 to 33

I’d say over the years it seems 35 is starting to get on a bit, and by 40 you’re in dangerous territory if still fighting in the UFC. I think Randy Couture being the exception but that’s pre USADA era.

Randy had a good style for his age. He was able to just tire guys out against the cage until they were made of mush,and then finish off the remains. His fight against Gonzaga was a masterclass of dirty boxing

 

[HHJ]

Age doesn't apply to HW's for some reason.

I can tell you the reason.
KO power is the last thing to go.
Fedor at 44 can still body people if he can get his mitts on em

 

[HHJ]

The Blood of the Old must be shed to feed the New.

So it it is written, so let it be done

“No battle plan can anticipate all contingencies. There are always unexpected factors including those stemming from the opponent's initiative. A battle must thus becomes a balance between plan and improvisation, between error and correction.
It is a narrow line. But it is a line one's opponent must also walk. For all the balance of experience and cleverness, it is often the warrior who acts quickest who will prevail.”

 

[filthynumber1]

Randy had a good style for his age. He was able to just tire guys out against the cage until they were made of mush,and then finish off the remains. His fight against Gonzaga was a masterclass of dirty boxing

His first fight with Vitor was a classic example of this

Side note
20 year old vitor looked like a science experiment. Pre USADA looks like fun lol