Nick Newell Talks Retirement: “My Body is Just So Banged Up”

Nick Newell spoke with MMAjunkie about his decision to retire following his win at WSOF 24. Check out the highlights:

On the frequency of injuries: “It’s not even the sparring that’s doing it to me. I’m getting hurt just doing normal stuff in practice, and it’s one thing after another. My body is just so banged up.”

On the difficulty of his training camps: “This last one, I went out there and fought a boring fight because I was so worried about my cardio. I hold myself to a certain standard. I know who I am and what I’m capable of, and the last few performances I just haven’t been able to show it. I don’t want to be an old, busted-up guy giving people a watered-down version of myself for a paycheck.”

On the price of getting to where he was: “I didn’t get to where I am because I’m just so good. I got to where I am from working really hard, and that takes a toll on you. I don’t think I’ll ever be fully satisfied with my career, but I have to be smart. I want to be that guy I used to be, and I’m not.”