A great Era is coming to an end: UFC legends are becoming pathetic and approaching the end

In the world of mixed martial arts (MMA), time waits for no one. Fighters who once stood at the pinnacle of the sport, delivering unforgettable battles, are now approaching the twilight of their careers. The lightweight and featherweight divisions of the UFC have been defined by a golden generation of warriors, but as the years pass, these legends are facing the harsh reality of wear and tear.

Among them are Charles Oliveira, Max Holloway, Alexander Volkanovski, Justin Gaethje, Dan Hooker, and Dustin Poirier—fighters who have shaped an era but now find themselves at a crossroads. Let’s take a closer look at their careers, their impact on the sport, and what the future holds for each of them.

Charles Oliveira: The Rise and Fall of “Do Bronx”

Born on October 17, 1989, Charles Oliveira has been a force to be reckoned with in the UFC for over a decade. The Brazilian submission specialist holds the record for the most submission wins in UFC history and became the UFC Lightweight Champion in 2021 after a stunning knockout victory over Michael Chandler.

With a professional record of 35-10-0 (1 NC), Oliveira has faced the best of the best, from Dustin Poirier to Islam Makhachev. However, at 34 years old, injuries and grueling wars inside the octagon have started to take a toll.

While Oliveira remains a top contender in the lightweight division, questions linger about how much longer he can compete at the highest level. His aggressive style and willingness to take damage have thrilled fans, but as age creeps in, durability becomes a concern.

Max Holloway: The “Blessed” Legacy

At 33 years old, Max Holloway has already cemented himself as one of the greatest featherweights in UFC history. The former UFC Featherweight Champion ruled the division for years, delivering iconic performances against José Aldo, Brian Ortega, and Calvin Kattar.

Despite losing his belt to Alexander Volkanovski, Holloway remains an elite competitor. His boxing, cardio, and resilience are legendary, but as he moves deeper into his 30s, his championship window is narrowing.

Holloway’s recent knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was a reminder that he still has plenty of fight left in him. However, with the division evolving and younger stars emerging, Holloway may soon have to decide whether to chase another title run or transition into a veteran role within the sport.

Alexander Volkanovski: The Champion’s Struggle to Stay on Top

Alexander “The Great” Volkanovski, at 36 years old, remains one of the most dominant featherweights the UFC has ever seen. His wars with Max Holloway, his dismantling of Korean Zombie, and his close battle against Islam Makhachev at lightweight have solidified his place among the greats.

Volkanovski’s adaptability and fight IQ have kept him at the top, but age is becoming a factor. The wear and tear from consecutive wars, especially after his knockout loss to Ilia Topuria, raises concerns about his longevity.

While Volkanovski insists he’s far from done, the reality is that staying at the top of a division filled with young, hungry contenders is a monumental challenge. The question remains: how much longer can he fend off the new generation?

Justin Gaethje: The Ultimate Warrior’s Final Battles

Justin “The Highlight” Gaethje, known for his relentless pressure, knockout power, and fearless approach to fighting, has delivered some of the most thrilling fights in UFC history. At 35 years old, he remains a top contender in the lightweight division, but the brutal wars he’s endured are catching up with him.

Gaethje’s recent loss to Max Holloway at UFC 300—where he was knocked out in the final seconds—was a stark reminder of how unforgiving the sport can be. Despite this setback, Gaethje is expected to return to action soon, potentially against another rising star in the lightweight division.

Gaethje has openly stated that he doesn’t plan on fighting for much longer, meaning the next few fights will likely define his legacy. With title aspirations still in sight, fans are eager to see if he can make one last championship run before calling it a career.

Dan Hooker: The Hangman’s Road to Recovery

Dan “The Hangman” Hooker, at 35 years old, has experienced the ups and downs of the UFC lightweight division. Known for his durability and warrior spirit, Hooker has shared the cage with some of the division’s best, including Dustin Poirier, Paul Felder, and Islam Makhachev.

Unfortunately, injuries have plagued Hooker in recent years. A hand injury forced him to withdraw from UFC 313, delaying his return to the octagon. As he recovers, the question remains whether Hooker can still compete at the highest level or if he will transition into a different role within the MMA world.

With an exciting fighting style and a never-say-die attitude, Hooker will always be a fan favorite, but time is running out for him to make another title push.

Dustin Poirier: The Diamond’s Last Shine

At 36 years old, Dustin “The Diamond” Poirier has built a Hall of Fame-worthy career. With wins over Conor McGregor, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway, Poirier has established himself as one of the best lightweights of his era.

However, with two failed attempts at capturing the UFC Lightweight Championship, Poirier’s future is uncertain. He has hinted at retirement in recent interviews, suggesting that his next fight may be his last.

Regardless of what comes next, Poirier’s legacy is intact. His ability to entertain, his relentless pressure, and his elite boxing have made him one of the most respected fighters in the sport.

The Next Generation: Who Will Carry the Torch?

As these legends near the final stages of their careers, a new generation of fighters is emerging to take their place. Some of the rising stars to watch include:

• Islam Makhachev (Lightweight Champion)
• Ilia Topuria (Featherweight Contender)
• Arman Tsarukyan (Lightweight Prospect)
• Rafael Fiziev (Striking Specialist)
• Sean O’Malley (Bantamweight Star)

These young fighters have already started making their mark, but they have big shoes to fill. The warriors of the past decade set an incredibly high standard, and it will be fascinating to see how the new generation carries the sport forward.

Conclusion: The End of a Golden Era in UFC

The careers of Oliveira, Holloway, Volkanovski, Gaethje, Hooker, and Poirier have defined one of the most exciting periods in MMA history. They have delivered legendary fights, captured world titles, and inspired millions of fans around the globe.

But as the years pass, their time in the octagon is limited. While some may have one last title run left in them, others are already considering retirement.

Regardless of when they step away from the sport, one thing is certain: their legacies will live on forever. These fighters have etched their names into UFC history, and their influence on future generations will be felt for years to come.

What’s Next?

As fans, all we can do is cherish the remaining fights these warriors have left and prepare for the next wave of champions who will attempt to fill their shoes. The UFC is evolving, and while we may be witnessing the end of an era, we are also watching the dawn of a new one.

Will one of these legends capture gold one last time? Or will the new generation take over completely? Only time will tell.