Former heavyweight champion Frank Mir is fully aware of where he stands in the UFC.
The 35-year old mixed martial arts veteran will be embarking upon his 26th career fight as part of the pay-per-view card of UFC 184 on February 2015, at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. It is a card headlined by middleweight champion Chris Weidman as he defends his belt for the third time against another great veteran, Vitor "the Phenom" Belfort.
With a record of 16-9 (12 wins by stoppage), the Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt has already lost four fights in a row. By the UFC's standards, such a streak already merits a fighter to be released from his contract. But Mir's ability to make his fights exciting enough has made the company keep him around.
His task at hand, however, is definitely no walk in the park. Brazilian contender Antonio "Bigfoot" Silva has proved himself to be a tough task for anyone to handle. His barnburner/would-be Fight of the Night worthy bout against interim title contender and PRIDE FC veteran Mark Hunt in December 2013 showed how much heart and tenacity he brings to the table.
Unfortunately for him, the bout was declared into a No Contest after Silva tested positive for elevated levels of testosterone.
Mir knows the important implications that his UFC 184 fight entails. At his age, and following the UFC's protocols, losing the bout almost automatically leaves his career in jeopardy. And given the insurgence of more elite fighters in the heavyweight division, Mir has already contemplated on hanging up his gloves for good.
"I did (think about retirement)," Mir said in his appearance on Monday's edition of The MMA Hour. "If I wasn't able to have a proper off season and see what I could get my body level of fitness up to, then I would have considered it."
Frank Mir's UFC career is the perfect example of one that experienced both the highs and lows of being one of the elite fighters in the game. He was once a champion, he lost the title, and has gone back to continue with his climb up the ladder.
He knows very well what is at stake. Which is why he considers this upcoming match-up as a make or break situation for him.
"I think I have to come out with a very significant performance," he said.
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