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#4. Joe Lauzon - UFC lightweight
Not many MMA fighters are deserving of being labeled legends in the sport. Joe Lauzon is one of those fighters.
When he was at the peak of his powers, Lauzon was an exciting action fighter with the third-most post-fight bonuses in UFC history. The only fighters ahead of him are Donald Cerrone, who owns the most wins in UFC history, and Charles Oliveira, who owns the most finishes in UFC history.
Unfortunately, those days are relics of the past. Lauzon has not been on a win streak since 2014 and is currently 1-4 in his last five fights. Furthermore, 'J-Lau' is 38 years old. The number of times a final matchup with Donald Cerrone has collapsed due to both fighters suffering from injuries is a sign that Lauzon ought to consider retirement.
He has not fought since 2019 and has nothing to gain from returning for another bout. He is better off retiring to avoid unnecessary damage as he nears his 40th birthday, while owning a legacy that will undoubtedly earn him a spot in the UFC Hall of Fame.
#3. Stephen Thompson - UFC welterweight
Once upon a time, Stephen Thompson was a strong candidate to be considered the best striker in MMA. Unfortunately, the former welterweight title challenger has lost a step the more he's aged.
He is no longer the same quick counter-striker who uses a bladed karate stance to dip in and out of range while alternatively flattening out his stance to avoid being backed up to the fence.
While his skill-set remains true to its technical roots, 'Wonderboy' has lost his speed and consequently his timing. The timing and distance management he once used to keep himself from overexposing his hips failed to stop the takedowns of Gilbert Burns. Additionally, his reaction following his lopsided loss to Belal Muhammad last December was very telling.
Thompson complained about his foes only being interested in wrestling him. The moment a fighter expresses frustration over a gameplan their opponents are utilizing to great effect is the moment the fighter in question has unknowingly admitted they have no answers.
At 39 years old, 'Wonderboy' is not going to get any better as Father Time advances and the losses accumulate in a division teeming with wrestlers.
