Dana White has seen sufficient to know that Chris Weidman, Anthony Smith, and Clay Guida ought to all name it a profession.
All three veterans suffered losses on Saturday evening at UFC 310, and whereas Smith his newest efficiency was “most likely” his closing battle, neither Weidman or Guida addressed that risk in the course of the occasion. Whereas he’s by no means immediately compelled anybody into retirement, White mentioned he would ideally hear all three fighters make that decision after two of them fell by knockout and the third suffered a first-round submission in the course of the closing UFC pay-per-view in 2024.
“All of them retire tonight,” White mentioned about what he desires from Weidman, Smith and Guida. “They need to all retire tonight.”
Now White has really mentioned one thing comparable about Weidman previously, particularly after he returned to motion following a devastating damaged leg that sidelined his profession for over two years.
Whereas Weidman acquired a win in his earlier outing — albeit in considerably controversial style following a collection of eye pokes throughout a battle towards Bruno Silva — the previous middleweight champion fell by second-round knockout in his matchup with Eryk Anders on Saturday. Weidman did discover some early success with a knockdown of his personal however he ended up on his again within the second spherical with Anders simply hammering away at him till the referee simply couldn’t permit him to proceed absorbing punishment.
The loss dropped Weidman to 1-3 in his previous 4 fights.
In the meantime, Smith confronted an emotional battle on high of his battle towards Dominick Reyes following the dying of a detailed pal and coach simply days earlier than UFC 310. Regardless of his greatest efforts, Smith simply couldn’t get any offense going and he ultimately succumbed to strikes from Reyes within the second spherical.
Afterwards, Smith eliminated his gloves within the octagon however stopped quick from really saying his retirement, though it definitely appeared he’s leaning that means.
“Most likely [my last fight],” Smith mentioned following his loss. “It’s been a protracted street. I wish to suppose on it however most likely.”
Lastly, Guida suffered an armbar submission loss to Chase Hooper on the early prelims because the 42-year-old veteran dropped his third battle in a row and fell to 1-4 in his previous 5 fights.
Guida at all times mentioned he would maintain going till the wheels fall off, however it’s unclear if White’s declaration about retirement would possibly drive his hand to resolve if he desires to proceed preventing or maybe retire whereas nonetheless competing below the UFC banner.
