Chris Lytle will retire after tonight's bout with Dan Hardy
Posted on August 14, 2011, 04:21 AM by Anton GurevichIn an interview to NBCSports.com, Chris "Lights Out" Lytle announced that tonight's fight with Dan "The Outlaw" Hardy in the main event of UFC on Versus 5 is going to be his last. Lytle revealed the main reason behind the decision to retire at the age of 36 is the desire to be closer to his family:
"I just feel like I have a lot of things in my head that I feel guilty about. I have a great time fighting, and I love fighting — I want to do it all the time — but I think that sometimes it's time for me to not think about what I want and start thinking about what's best for other people."
Lytle is currently 30-18-5 in his Mixed Martial Arts career, with 3 TKO and 21 Submission victories. "Lights Out" is also a veteran of 19 UFC bouts, holding a record of 9-10 with the promotion. In addition, Chris Lytle won five Fight of the Night, two Submission of the Night and one KO of the Night awards.
Lytle also added that he would love to leave a good memory in his last fight, and retire as a winner:
"This is going to be my last memory right here. I feel like I want to win this fight more than probably I have wanted to win any. I want the people to want more, like, 'Why is he gone? I want him to come back.' That would be my dream for it to end like that."
Make sure you join us at the chat room for LIVE Play by Play Commentary and Compustrike statistics. UFC on Versus 5 main card will be aired starting 9PM EST / 6PM PST.
Further Reading: UFC on Versus 5 Weigh-In Video
Photo: Sherdog.com
Comments
Ah, that's kind of sad - I do really enjoy watching Chris fight, you know he's always going to put on a good show. That being said I definitely respect the man for knowing when to hang them up and you can't fault him for that.
Well that means he's gonna stand and bang tonight. That also unfortunately means he might get knocked out tonight
i dunno to take this as "im gonna lose" or "im gonna kick ass"
That sounds exactly like a fighter who's about to lose a fight imo.
man you have to like these type of fighters, this is another unexpected news but like Dana said if your not 100% intoo Fighting MMA then dont do it, Respect to Lytle the guy stands and bangs with anybody, another reason why Hardy is one of my favorite fighters even tho his in a losing streak he goes out and he wants to bang...today were going to see some fireworks versus 5 lets get it!
Go out with a bang
You always knew if Lytle was on the card he was going to bring it.
Much appreciated from this fan.
I would say from listening to him talk that he may just need a break .. and not a retirement. At 36 though .. too long off may finish him for good.
Wow, didn't expect that, chris "lights out" lytle, he will be rememberd, he always deliverd exciting fights !
solid all round fighter and a crowd pleaser, went for the title one time and lost to serra by split decision.
Lytle is the only one i can think of with a 50 - 50 record that lasted so long and for a good reason.
Imo lytle is unique with his ufc record, shows that he is / was something special. !!!!!!!
Thanks for all the action and always great sportmanship, enjoy !!!!!