When does a fighter know it’s time to Hang up the gloves? For UFC CEO Dana White, the answer seems clear, now. Following UFC 310, the promotion’s final pay-per-view event of 2024 at the T-Mobile Arena, White didn’t hold back when addressing the futures of veteran fighters who had a tough night. “They should all retire tonight,” White said bluntly at the post-fight press conference.

But what happens when a fighter hears that and decides otherwise? Enter Clay Guida, the 43-year-old fan favorite, who gave his take on White’s advice. And spoiler alert, it’s not retirement.

In the second fight of the early prelims, Guida squared off against 25-year-old Chase Hooper in a matchup that showcased the largest age gap in UFC history. The bout didn’t go Guida’s way, he was submitted in just 79 seconds. But instead of bowing out gracefully, Guida took to Instagram after the vent, doubling down on his commitment to fight on.

“The kids got some skills!!! Congratulations to you and your camp, Chase Hooper,” Guida wrote. But it’s what he said next that caught everyone’s attention. “We will be back!!!” Guida declared, expressing gratitude to his coaches, family, and the loyal Guida Mafia fan base.

It’s not the first time ‘The Carpenter’ Guida’s career resilience has come into question. A UFC Hall of Famer for his unforgettable 2009 battle with Diego Sanchez, Guida has now lost three straight fights. At 43, many argue that the physical demands of the sport have begun to outspace his legendary energy. But Guida seems determined to prove otherwise.

Should Dana White’s advice be taken seriously?

Dana White’s concern isn’t without merit. Fighters like Guida, Anthony Smith, and Chris Weidman, all of whom suffered finishes at UFC 310, are facing increasingly steep odds in their fights. White has been vocal in the past about veterans knowing when to walk away, emphasizing the dangers of competing too long in such a punishing sport.

And let’s be honest, the 43-year-old’s path forward isn’t an easy one. After three straight losses, it’s hard to imagine the UFC offering him matchups where he’s anything but an underdog. Is the passion for fighting worth the toll on his body and the risk of further losses?

Why does Clay Guida keep going? Maybe it’s not just about legacy, it’s about the life he’s built inside and outside the cage. For Guida, fighting isn’t just a sport, it’s a profession, a way of life, and a livelihood. Every time he steps into the Octagon, he’s not just chasing victory, he’s earning a paycheck and fueling the identity he’s cultivated over decades. Walking away from all that? It’s not a simple task. Many UFC veterans have faced this same dilemma. Some transition successfully into coaching, commentary, or other ventures, while others struggle to adapt, finding it difficult to replace the thrill of competition or the steady income it provides.

For this veteran, this isn’t just a battle against age or younger competition, it’s a battle against the narrative that his time is up. His defiance of White’s advice speaks to a fighter’s unshakable belief in their own journey. But as fans, we’re left asking, how much longer can Guida hold on, and is it worth it?

What do you think? Should Guida consider stepping away, or is his unwavering determination a testament to what makes MMA so captivating? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!