5 MMA Retirement Fights We'd Love to See

There are two generations of MMA fighters.

The older, experienced veterans—some of which need to hang up the gloves very soon.

Then there are the hungry up-and-coming fighters eager to make a name for themselves and gain more fans and exposure.

Some of the true veterans of the sport are reluctant to let go just yet. They want to continue fighting, even if it isn't the best choice for them.

In this list, I want to explore some possible retirement fights for aging veterans. Enjoy!

I would also like to thank Weston Tomberlin for this contribution to this article.

Matt Hughes vs. Dan Hardy

I really like Matt Hughes—but he needs to finally go into full retirement.

As a fan, I respect everything he has done for the sport of MMA.

But I can't bear to see him lying on the canvas as a referee stands over him calling for the doctors.

I believe Hughes should have a good retirement fight with Dan Hardy.

Hardy recently saved his job with a spectacular knockout of Duane Ludwig at UFC 146.

I believe that this would make for an exciting fight for the fans, as Hughes is a powerful wrestler who's willing to bang, and Hardy has wicked power and is afraid of no one.

Both fighters are always game and fight to please the fans.

Forrest Griffin vs. Stephan Bonnar

I think this fight makes perfect sense.

Why not have the two fighters who put on the best fight in UFC history fight for one final time?

Think about it for a second.

Griffin is probably one or two fights from retirement. Bonnar is semi-retired and looking for a big name fight.

Both guy's deserve this fight because of all they have done for the UFC. It won't move them up the light-heavyweight ladder, or get them closer to a title shot, but it will give both guy's one final hurrah.

One last chance for the fans to see these two fighters in action. I for one would be happy as both guy's would leave it all in the cage, with no regrets.

Rich Franklin vs. Luke Rockhold

Rich Franklin has been fighting professionally since 1999. In the fight game, Franklin is as veteran as they come.

I believe an interesting retirement fight for Franklin to take would be against current Strikeforce Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold.

Rockhold has defended his title twice and needs a step up in competition, and a big name to fight.

I believe if he made his way to the UFC, him and Franklin could fight.

Franklin has always been game for a fight, and win or lose, he would go out as a fan favourite, who was never afraid to take a fight on short notice to save an event.

Just look at UFC 147. Classy fighter inside and outside of the cage.

Anderson Silva vs. Jon Jones

Before you read this slide just bear in mind that even I don't think this fight will ever happen. But it would be simply amazing if it did.

At this point, Silva can't tarnish his legacy. He'll go down as the best fighter of all time.

Undefeated in the UFC with a perfect 15-0 record. 10 Middleweight title defences.

He's done it all.

A win or a loss to Jones wouldn't do much to the legacy. If you are going to retire, it's always better to go out with a bang then a whimper right?

Plus if this were to ever happen (I don't believe it will), it would easily be the most anticipated UFC fight of all time.

Brock Lesnar vs. Fedor Emelianenko

Before you criticize me, just hear out the idea.

I know Lesnar is in the WWE now. I know Fedor has never fought in the UFC. But just imagine for a second.

If this were ever to happen in the UFC, it would be a huge fight. The winner wouldn't get a title shot, or even close to one. This is purely for the fans.

Think of it as a double retirement fight. Yes I know Fedor retired after his win over Pedro Rizzo, and Brock is back in the WWE.

Brock never got a proper retirement fight in my opinion, due to Overeem's failed drug test. I believe he had an unfair advantage.

If the UFC could lure both of these guys out for one last big fight, the fans would go nuts.

One is arguably the greatest heavyweight fighter in the world, the other is a former UFC heavyweight champion, with huge name recognition.

The UFC would make ton of money on this, and the fans would be pretty happy as well.

Shoot me a comment on the article or check out my Twitter @FuscoNation16.