Knowing when your time is up

Folks,

It is with a semi sad heart that I say that one of my fighting idols has passed his prime. The incomparable Fedor Emelianenko is officially passed his prime. He has lost for a second time in a row. Now, he did not lose to a scrub fighter. The fact is that he lost to a good one. But the IDEA of Fedor losing or even being in distress during a fight is mentionable.

There is no shame in losing. But will he walk away now? We dont know yet. I hope so. Out of all of the dozens of greats who have inspired us, only one two have walked away in their prime. The first is Marvin Hagler, the second is Barry Sanders. Marvin lost a HIGHLY controversial fight with Sugar Ray Leonard. After Leonard would not grant him a rematch, he left the sport for good. Barry Sanders was one season away from breaking the all-time rushing record. But he chose not to. His passion for the game had waned, so he walked away with his body and mind in tact. Good for them.

I hope that Fedor retires and lets us remember him as the greatest mixed martial artist of our era. So here is to you Fedor........