Video: Bellator 116's Vladimir Matyushenko discusses final MMA fight, retirement

While Vladimir Matyushenko‘s head is still in it, his admits his body isn’t. That means Friday’s Bellator 116 fight against Joey Beltran will be the last of a lengthy 17-year, 34-fight career.

Matyushenko recently spoke to MMAjunkie about his decision to call it quits. With MMA now bigger than ever, the 43-year-old UFC/IFL/Affliction vet admits it’s a tough time to walk away.

“I don’t want to retire because the sport is getting so big, and it’s so fun to fight right now,” the veteran light heavyweight said. “But the body isn’t there.”

Check out the above video as Matyushenko (27-7 MMA, 1-0 BMMA) discusses his previous short-lived retirement, his injury woes and his prediction for Friday’s bout, where he and Beltran (14-10 MMA, 0-1 BMMA) kick off the Spike TV-televised main card from Pechanga Resort & Casino in Temecula, Calif.

And for complete coverage of Bellator 116, stay tuned to the MMA Rumors section of the site.