It has never happened.... This new Brand must engulf it's past in order to pave its future. Any outgoing champion must walk the plank. Did GSP survive?
There are people suggesting that GSP retired because of all the doping tests ... Is that really on his terms? Also, imo he didn't deserve the nod against Hendricks, so he was lucky to still be the champ.
You wont find many. One,because the UFC's contracts tend to prevent anyone from retiring on top,and 2) Fighters generally dont quit while their ahead. If your like GSP,another fight is another million dollars waiting.
You can't reach the top level without being very competitive, and that's precisely what makes it hard for the champs to retire at the best time. Money is also a big factor.
He retired on his terms. He had made enough money,got a last W in the books,defeated all challengers,avenged all losses,i mean,in this game his retirement was as good as you could get it,he kinda lennox lewis'd his way out and thats the shit as far as im concerned.
In terms of leaving the UFC, sure. But as for his actual retirement? He was getting his ass kicked at the end. Bas Rutten left the UFC and his career on his own terms.
Lennox is a very good parallel. GSP and the Hendricks fight were very much like Lennox and Klitschko. And Serra was his McCall.
Bas retired because of injuries,but it was before anyone actually took advantage of that... you say GSP was getting his ass kicked,well what about bas rutten's last match? Getting your ass kicked and still winning sounds suspiciously like being a fighter,and having a hard fight. I suppose they should all be easy when your the champ eh?
indeed,people will argue forever that klitschko should have won and was better,but in the end lennox got his hand raised and got out while the getting was good.
I meant Frank was getting his ass kicked, not GSP. He lost three of his last four. He retired because he was old and didn't really have it anymore. As for Bas' last match. Wasn't that the Warpath fight?
