UFC 303 witnessed quite a few turnarounds and an epic conclusion to the main event. The uncertainties surrounding the event and some phenomenal KOs overshadowed the retirement of the legendary Andrei Arlovski at the event. The former UFC heavyweight champion was apparently forced to say goodbye to the Octagon in a surprise move. After fighting for almost 18 years, it was indeed an emotional moment for the former heavyweight champion. But it came as a shocker to the veteran as Dana White announced the same at the press conference. It seems like the 45 Y.O still wanted to fight!

The UFC head honcho declared at the presser that it was Arlovski’s last fight. However, ‘The Pitbull’ took to Instagram and declared that he wasn’t done with the MMA world. In a recent talk with Ariel Helwani, Arlovski revealed why he wanted to fight despite his age.

Why does Andrei Arlovski still wish to continue fighting?

In the recent episode of Helwani’s talk show, ‘The MMA Hour’, the famed MMA reporter asked Arlovski about the real reason behind his refusal to retire. The heavyweight recently quoted on IG that his book wasn’t finished yet. It was just the end of the UFC chapter. Arlovski responded with a few words, saying, “I wanna beat couple more records. I wanna beat couple more records.” 

But as Helwani pushed the mixed martial artist, he revealed his desire to break the record set by the former professional boxer, Bernard Hopkins. He said, “One of them, Bernard Hopkin’s. He fought at 48 last fight and he was like champion, like won the fight.” Thereafter, he revealed that he had to take care of his newborn baby. Despite managing to get a house during his UFC tenure, he still had to pay the bills. He continued, “And obviously, Uncle Dana helped me to buy a new house, but I need to pay bills. I got new, newborn baby. So, I need to do something like a couple more years.”

Did you know, previously Arlovski claimed that he wanted to fight till he was 50 years old? Needless to say, he understood the hardships that come with age and he simply wished to be able to fight till he was 45.  

But as Dana White announced that the heavyweight from Belarus was done fighting at the UFC, he was left in total surprise. It was not the kind of farewell that he expected. Soon after, he took to social media and revealed his thoughts about it.

‘The Pitbull’ didn’t know about his retirement!

You read that right! Right after White announced Arlovski’s departure from the MMA promotion, the Belarusian fighter went on Instagram and revealed his surprise. He shared a few pictures of his record in the UFC. The fighter began his career in 2000 and fought till 2024. But he simply didn’t wish to hang his gloves like that. He wrote, “I didn’t want to finish my #JOURNEY in the UFC like that , but it is – what it is.”

Arlovski continued, “And yes , I’m not BI*CHING, just wondering how come ???) Soooo, my CHAPTER in the UFC is closed , BUT MY #BOOK 📕 IS NOT FINISHED YET ‼️‼️‼️ Will see what’s around the corner.” Is he going to enter Bellator FC, or will he fight with bare knuckles at BKFC? It is something that only time can tell.

What are your thoughts on Arlovski’s retirement? Do you think he should continue to fight till he is 50 years old? Let us know what you think in the comments down below.