Mixed martial arts is a brutally unforgiving sport. There comes a time in every fighter’s career when taking hits to the dome just doesn’t make sense anymore. Some fighters aren’t able to let it go and hold on a bit too long. Other times, fighters call it quits with a few questions left to be answered and some gas left in the tank. Of course there is absolutely nothing wrong with walking away but as fans we can’t help but wonder, “what if”? Let’s take a look at 5 fighters we wouldn’t mind seeing wrap their hands, strap on some gloves, and take that walk just one more time.
5) Shane Carwin
On his podcast, Joe Rogan said there were two times when he shook someone’s hand and thought, “this man is a different species from me.” One of those men was Shaquille O’neal, the other was Shane Carwin. The guy’s UFC career was epic. He won his first four UFC fights by first round knockout and captured the Interim Heavyweight Championship. There is no doubting that Shane Carwin was a heavyweight wrecking machine. Carwin has hinted at a comeback several times on twitter. No hard feelings if it’s all just shameless self promotion, but if you’re serious Shane, I’ve got my pay-per-view money ready and waiting.
4) Nick Newell
He’s a fighter that may only be known to the more hardcore fans but Nick Newell is the living representation of overcoming adversity. Born with a congenital amputation, Newell is an MMA fighter that is missing everything below his left elbow. He compiled over 300 victories in high school and college wrestling and a 13-1 record in MMA. UFC President Dana White’s response to Newell fighting was, “it’s hard to fight with two arms. Fighting with one arm is just craziness to me.” Nick Newell just turned 30 and if he’s ready to hang’em up, that’s just fine, but for me watching a fighter with one arm throw down with the best of them never gets old. We’re ready if you are, man.
3) Chael Sonnen
He’s the woman’s pick, the man’s regret and if you went against Chael Sonnen, you made a bet! The guy is among, if not the most polarizing fighter in MMA history. Now you can call me biased because I happen to be a big fan of the gangster from West Linn, Oregon, but I want him back. The dude offered to move up a weight class to fight Jon Jones on 8 days notice! His suspension is up in time for UFC 200, so just give him the microphone now and Chael Sonnen will sell any fight he can get.
2) Brock Lesnar
Brock Lesnar was one of the biggest stars we have ever seen in the UFC. Sure Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor are the current lightning rods but no one can doubt the electricity in the air when Brock was storming through the heavyweight division. We understand why he left MMA, being there really aren’t many stones left unturned for the guy. He won, defended and lost the UFC Heavyweight strap in just an 8 fight career. Still, show me an MMA fan that doesn’t want to see Mir vs Lesnar 3 and I’ll show you a disgruntled UG member.
1) Georges St-Pierre
First things first, on his wikipedia page, GSP is listed as a “semi-retired mixed martial artist.” What the hell is that? I like to go by the Ricky Bobby mentality, you’re either first or last. Retire or don’t, man. It’s that simple. At least Brett Favre had the common decency to not keep us waiting too long (the first time.) GSP hasn’t fought since November 2013, yet there’s a new rumor every week about GSP wanting to come back, which Dana White inevitably shoots down. GSP, you are a legend with nothing left to prove, but if you want to throw down again, you bet your ass we’re all gonna watch!
