Guida Answers White’s Retirement Call
After Clay Guida lost to Chase Hooper on Dec. 7, 2024, Dana White said he hoped Guida, Chris Weidman and Anthony Smith would retire. Two days later, Guida thanked supporters, congratulated Hooper and wrote, “We will be back.” His message did not directly address retirement. MMA Fighting covered White’s remarks, and MMA Weekly reported Guida’s post.
White’s retirement comments
Guida was submitted by armbar in the first round, his third consecutive loss. In the post-event press conference, White said of Guida, Weidman and Smith: “They should all retire tonight.” White described what he wanted to see from the three veterans; he did not announce that any of them had retired.
Guida’s response
In his Dec. 10 Instagram post, Guida praised Hooper’s performance, thanked the fans who had traveled to support him and his teammates, and said, “We will be back.” The post expressed gratitude and intent to return, but did not directly mention White’s retirement comments or state that Guida would never retire.
A later clarification
In January 2025, Guida announced that he was leaving the promotion after 37 appearances. He clarified that the move was not retirement, describing it as a thank-you and a handoff to the next generation. Sherdog reported his announcement.
Conclusion
White urged Guida and two other veterans to retire after their losses. Guida’s first response thanked his supporters and promised, “We will be back”; his later departure from the promotion was not a retirement announcement.
Sources
Tags: MMA
