An ex-UFC fighter had an opportunity to transition to the sales space post-fighting, however the alternative was wasted.
It definitely isn’t uncommon to see former UFC fighters change into desk analysts and even coloration commentators. Some fighters who’re part of the UFC’s broadcast workforce are nonetheless lively rivals, though extra of them have retired lately. One man who practically defeated MMA legend Demetrious Johnson may’ve been a everlasting fixture on UFC programming lengthy after his preventing profession wrapped up.
Sadly for Ian McCall, private demons took over.
RELATED: FORMER UFC, RIZIN STAR IAN MCCALL ANNOUNCES RETIREMENT FROM MMA
Throughout an interview with MMAJunkie.com, Ian McCall admitted that close to the top of his UFC run he “squandered” an opportunity to be part of the printed workforce for “Battle Night time” occasions.
“I walked away too late,” McCall instructed MMA Junkie. “I shouldn’t have even left the UFC. I ought to’ve stayed there and tried to get some form of desk job, which they provided me. However after I confirmed as much as check out for a commentator gig, I used to be on a bender. I did coke within the toilet. Attempting to speak extra and I used to be a multitude. UFC gave me each likelihood. They gave me every part I may’ve really wished and I squandered it. Whether or not that’s a title shot or a number of title photographs or a job or no matter.
“I needed to transfer on and I needed to go take a look at the waters in Japan, regardless that I used to be snorting Oxycodone earlier than I walked out to my fights. No excuses. It’s the place my life was at that time. I’m pleased it’s over. Do I miss it? Certain. It’s a drug I’ll by no means get once more. It’s one thing I miss with strolling out to the adoration of followers.”
McCall introduced his retirement shortly after struggling a nine-second knockout loss to Kyoji Horiguchi at Rizin 10 in Japan. He ended his professional MMA profession with a document of 13-7-1. He went one-on-one with the likes of “Mighty Mouse,” Dominick Cruz, Joseph Benavidez, Manel Kape, and Horiguchi.
