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Ricardo
Lamas knows he is nearing the end of the line in his mixed
martial arts career.
The 38-year-old Chicago native used a strong third round to pull
away from game short-notice foe Bill Algeo at
UFC Fight Night 175, earning a unanimous decision triumph in a
featured featherweight bout at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas on
Saturday night. “The Bully” set career highs for significant
strikes landed (104) and takedowns (five) in the victory.
Lamas wasn’t ready to formally concede that it was his final walk
to the Octagon, but if it ends up being a farewell, he’s happy to
go out on a high note.
“I walked into this thinking it could maybe be my last fight,”
Lamas said after the bout. “I didn’t want to walk away with a loss.
I always said I don’t want to leave this sport in the dirt. I want
to leave with my head held high. That’s a fight I can be proud
of.”
Lamas plans on talking with his family before he makes any concrete
plans regarding his fighting future.
“I’m not ready to clarify on [possibly retiring] yet,” he said.
“It’s a decision I want to make with my family. With the way that I
train, I travel a lot. I spend time away from my kids and wife. I
just don’t know if I can do that anymore. I’m going to talk with
them and we’ll make a decision together.”
Lamas’ triumph over Algeo gave him 11 UFC triumphs in 17
promotional appearances, tying him for the third most wins in the
history of the division. It’s a run that included a loss to
Jose
Aldo in a title fight in 2014 along with victories over the
likes of Cub Swanson,
Hatsu
Hioki, Dennis
Bermudez, Diego
Sanchez, Charles
Oliveira and Darren
Elkins.
“I grew up in the WEC and UFC with Zuffa. I’ve been with them for
11 years now. I signed with them in 2009. It’s been a hell of a
ride,” Lamas said. “From day one, they threw me in with the sharks.
I had to learn to sink or swim. It’s been awesome. I
appreciate all the opportunities given to me from the UFC, Dana
White and Sean Shelby. I love you guys. Thank you very much.”
