Well.... He's not dangerously shot, and still able to compete at the top level. But he's definitely lost a step or two. I'd say he should though.
The only way he has a chance against Romero is if its a 5 rounder, and he runs for the first four rounds. It really seemed like Romero was simply playing with him. He takes him down the first time he tries to, then dribbles Machida's head off the canvas with vicious elbows. That was brutal.
Yes, he should retire.. not only has he lost a step or two.. he has been around long enough for people to figure him out. When he first ambushed the UFC he was fast, hungry, and an unknown quantity.. Now he is slower and meeting the new breed of the UFC evolution ... they just run him down now..
Hes only lost to the best guys and at middleweight is the only guy to beat Gerard Musasi in the UFC..hes still top 5 at his current weight class and losing toa Jon jones at light Heavyweight doesn't necessarily tell me hes slowing down nor does two current loses to guys like Rockhold who could be a future champion...one more fight will tell where he actuallty stands ..following this sport from day one in the years 92/93 this is how the sport works its that simple...hes stilla draw ,makes a living and is a adaptable fighter,those who say he should retire don't know what there talking about whether he wins or loses his next fight.Its almost as easy to figure out in comparison as how someone actually thinks Cain Velasquez can't hit hard!:roll:
That's me. I am one of those with no clue, which is why I asked. I am a fan of his and have loved his stick and move style. It reminds me of Whitaker in boxing. Not big on MMA, I am big on Machida. Glad to hear someone thinks he may have something left, hope he shows us some of that (what is it called) mai ai??? followed by reverse punches. That always made me smile.
The Rockhold and Romero fights suggest he probably won't be able to hang with top contenders anymore. I think his fight with Weidman took a lot out of him, he deteriorated quickly after that.