We asked AI to name 5 UFC fighters who should retire in 2025 (And the last name was a surprise)

After an amazing 2024, the UFC has promised to give fight fans another exciting year come 2025. The New Year promises to mark the return of various veteran fighters and legends, in addition to several young stars. Well, we asked OpenAI's ChatGPT to name five UFC fighters who should retire in 2025.

The AI put forth a list of names featuring multiple legendary combatants who've long been a part of the UFC roster, adding that they may contemplate retiring in order to protect their legacy and health. It expounded upon the reasons why each of the highly accomplished fighters named might and/or should consider hanging up the gloves in 2025.

Check out a screenshot of the AI assessment, comprising two fighters' names, below:

Screenshot of Open AI ChatGPT's assessment for 5 UFC fighters who should retire in 2025

---

#5 Tony Ferguson

Tony Ferguson made his professional MMA debut back in 2008 and UFC debut in 2011. A winner of the TUF 13 welterweight tournament, he later forged a legacy as one of the most dangerous lightweights.

Ferguson's iconic 12-fight win streak came to a crashing end via fifth-round TKO in his interim UFC lightweight title fight against Justin Gaethje in May 2020. 'El Cucuy' is currently on an eight-fight losing streak. Two of those matchups came at welterweight and six at lightweight.

After losing to Gaethje, Ferguson suffered unanimous decision defeats to Charles Oliveira and Beneil Dariush, followed by a knockout loss against Michael Chandler. The American then suffered submission defeats against Nate Diaz and Bobby Green and a unanimous decision loss against Paddy Pimblett. His next, and most recent, fight was a submission loss against Michael Chiesa in August 2024.

The AI suggested that at the age of 40, Ferguson finds himself on an eight-fight losing streak, his most recent being the stoppage loss in his welterweight bout against Chiesa. It seemingly acknowledged that 'El Cucuy' possesses a warrior spirit, but warned that the sum of the damage he's taken is an indication that he should retire.

The aforementioned warning mirrors that of many fans, who've pleaded with Ferguson (25-11 MMA) to retire and safeguard his health. Though he hinted at semi-retirement, laying down one glove inside the octagon after losing to Chiesa, the ex-interim UFC lightweight champion subsequently signaled that he isn't done yet.

---

#4 Jim Miller

Jim Miller made his professional MMA debut in 2005 and his UFC promotional debut in 2008. Miller holds the record for the highest number of MMA bouts under the UFC banner, at 45. He also boasts the most UFC wins at 27.

The 41-year-old is coming off a submission victory against Damon Jackson at UFC 309 in November 2024. During his post-fight press conference, Miller outlined his aim to get to 50 UFC fights (which he's currently five fights away from) and 30 UFC wins (which he's only three away from!).

'A-10' implied that he's long been a fighter and hasn't adequately partaken in other jobs to have a clear post-MMA career path. Miller (38-18, 1 No Contest) further opined that he might consider a 51st fight if offered a massive payday, perhaps a couple of million dollars, but would probably stop once he's completed 50 UFC fights.

The AI alluded to these variables at play, particularly noting that the 41-year-old Miller has asserted that he'd likely retire after 50 UFC fights and 30 UFC wins. It explained that with just five fights left to achieve his objectives, his glorious career could end in 2025.

---

#3 Stephen 'Wonderboy' Thompson

Stephen Thompson debuted in MMA in 2010, whereas his UFC debut transpired in 2012. The American karateka is a kickboxing veteran and a two-time UFC welterweight title challenger. 'Wonderboy' is considered to be one of the most skilled and innovative strikers to have ever competed in MMA.

Presently, Thompson (17-8, 1 draw) is on a two-fight losing streak, most recently suffering a knockout defeat against rising star Joaquin Buckley in October 2024.

The AI pointed out that the 41-year-old Thompson is still competing at an elite level. Nevertheless, it underscored that the obstacles that come with maintaining optimal performance at such a difficult level in one's 40s could lead him to contemplate retirement in the near future.

---

#2 Dustin Poirier

Dustin Poirier made his MMA debut in 2009 and UFC debut in 2011. The Louisianian competed at featherweight and lightweight inside the octagon and particularly achieved considerable success at lightweight. He's a former interim UFC lightweight champion and has challenged for the undisputed UFC lightweight championship thrice, losing via submission in all three attempts.

Poirier's most recent fight saw him suffer a fifth-round submission defeat against reigning UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev at UFC 302 in June 2024. During his post-fight octagon interview, 'The Diamond' gave an emotional speech, hinting at semi-retirement status. He subsequently admitted that he's been contemplating retirement.

However, Poirier (30-9, 1 No Contest) later hinted he could possibly return for two fights, possibly a grudge match against Nate Diaz and a trilogy showdown against Justin Gaethje. Alternatively, most recently, he suggested that he'd like to compete one last time before retiring.

The AI assessment made an allusion to the same and noted how the 35-year-old Poirier has asserted that he'd like to have one last fight. As such, his retirement is imminent, and his next match likely his last, in 2025.

---

#1 UFC icon and combat sports megastar Conor McGregor

Conor McGregor has been a professional MMA fighter since 2008 and a part of the UFC roster since 2013. He's beheld as a combat sports megastar and one of the biggest box office draws in all of sports and entertainment.

However, the Irishman hasn't partaken in any form of professional combat sports competition since suffering a gruesome leg injury during his trilogy matchup against Dustin Poirier, a lightweight bout at UFC 264 in July 2021. McGregor (22-6 MMA, 0-1 boxing) was booked to return in a welterweight bout against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 in June 2024, but a toe injury ruled him out.

McGregor recently shook up the fight game and broader pop culture realms. He tweeted about being in preliminary agreements with the Ambani Family for an exhibition boxing match against Logan Paul -- a WWE superstar, boxer, and YouTuber -- in India. Logan's younger brother Jake Paul -- a boxer and YouTuber -- is also reportedly in the mix for a possible boxing match against McGregor.

Well, when asked about which UFC fighters should retire in 2025, the AI surprisingly named the legendary Conor McGregor as well!

It pointed out that the 36-year-old McGregor hasn't competed in the UFC realm since July of 2021, given his injury hiatus. Also, his long-running legal issues, which gained considerable attention in 2024, were referenced as another reason that's believed to be delaying his UFC comeback.

Furthermore, it emphasized that McGregor's announcement concerning his potential boxing bout against Logan Paul has sparked speculation, wherein many are worried whether the legendary Irish fighter will ever compete in MMA again.

Check out a screenshot of the AI assessment, consisting of three fighters' names, below:

Screenshot of Open AI ChatGPT's assessment for 5 UFC fighters who should retire in 2025