Was Brock Lesnar's Diverticulitis Illness What Really Forced His Retirement?

Brock Lesnar hasn't directly attributed his decision to retire to his diverticulitis, but his disease being at the root of his decision is an inescapable reality. 

Lesnar had already seen his career stalled twice by potentially fatal bouts with his disease. Friday night's fight was his return from his first surgery to combat the disease that essentially eats away one's stomach. 

He was not the dominant Lesnar we once saw, and he fell in the first round to Alistair Overeem. This led the former UFC champ to announce his retirement from the sport. 

The Announcement

Here are portions of Lesnar's comments following his loss, as quoted by the Associated Press via ESPN.com: 

"

This is the last time you'll see me in the octagon. 

I've had a really difficult couple of years with my disease, and I'm going to officially say tonight is the last time.

I promised my wife and my kids if I won this fight, I would get a title shot, and that would be my last fight. But if I lost tonight...you've been great.

 

"

Diverticulitis' Role in the Decision

Lesnar did not attack Overeem with the confidence and reckless abandon that once was the hallmark of his fighting style. He was tentative and full of doubt. 

It only takes a small seed of doubt to make a huge difference in the Octagon, and that is exactly what Lesnar had. 

And if this wasn't enough, Overeem punished Lesnar's surgically repaired stomach with knee blows. And that is something that will understandably make someone question if they want to continue fighting. 

As Lesnar said, he has had a difficult couple of year with his disease, and it has understandably taken its toll on his massive body. It is a shame that this disease has led to him calling it a career early, but there is little doubt that is at the root of his decision.