Brad Pickett Would Have Retired If He Lost At UFC Fight Night 84

In an interview with MMA Junkie, Brad Pickett (25-11 MMA, 5-6 UFC) said he would have retired if he could not defeat Francisco Rivera (11-6 MMA, 4-4 UFC) at UFC Fight Night 84. Pickett went into the fight on a three-fight losing streak. He won via split decision. Here are highlights:

On considering retirement: “I was fighting for my job in there, in my eyes. Even if I had lost tonight and they said they would’ve kept me, I probably would’ve ended up retiring because I’m not in this sport just to make up the numbers. It’s not just about competing at this level; it’s about performances and winning.”

On how he feels physically: “My body’s not giving up on me. I’m feeling great in the gym, and I’m competing with guys at the highest level at American Top Team (who) are younger than me. I’m doing well, and I’m beating them. It’s not a case that I can’t compete at this level. I just need to transfer my training to the cage and get the win.”