Why Reza Madadi isn't committing to that possible retirement, after all

STOCKHOLM – Many fight fans were surprised when the UFC initially put together an event in Sweden without Reza Madadi. He ultimately ended up on the card, but it wasn’t through any traditional means.

Madadi (14-5 MMA, 3-3 UFC), a pro MMA fighter for more than 10 years, specifically requested a spot on Sunday’s UFC Fight Night 109 fight card, which takes place at Ericsson Globe in Stockholm and airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass. Madadi lives and trains in the city, and he felt it would be a proper forum to say goodbye to the sport (via Instagram):

What an experience, so many feelings it is hard to put in writing. Firstly I want to thank my opponent Joe Duffy @duffymma , not only an amazing fighter but also a real sportsman and gentleman. Our sport needs more fighters like him. I would also like to thank my team at @allstars_gym and No 18 gym, all my trainingpartners, my sponsors my corner coaches @selmanberisha , @davidbielkheden, Andreas Michael, @boris.kuzmic @masseewald and of course my amazing family. They are all part of the team and the reason I can compete in the best league in the world called @ufc. As all of you know we are not getting younger for every day that goes by . I have been in this sport for more than 10 years and have been lucky to compete against the best fighters in the world. Every good story has an end and I have a wish ; that is to fight my last fight and 20th MMA fight at @ufc Sweden, in my hometown Stockholm and in front of my home crowd.  May 28th, beautiful weather in Sweden, sold out arena, who is up for a battle?

A post shared by Reza Madadi (@rezamaddog) on Mar 20, 2017 at 11:46am PDT

He landed on this weekend’s card only when Mairbek Taisumov suffered an injury. Madadi offered to step in as a replacement against Joaquim Silva (9-0 MMA, 2-0 UFC) on just 11 days’ notice.

It wasn’t the ideal circumstance, but Madadi said he wasn’t going to let the opportunity pass him by.

“The only problem was with my weight,” he told MMAjunkie. “Directly when I got the call, I just cut the food, did my stuff, and now hopefully I’m in good shape and good weight.”

Madadi successfully made weight for his bout and now seeks his first victory in more than 14 months. The original plan was to make Sunday’s fight in Stockholm his last one, but considering how it all came together, Madadi isn’t quite ready to commit.

At 38 “Mad Dog” knows a a more perfect scenario to walk away from the sport may not materialize. He said that’s not his focus, though. The priority is to lock in on his fight and make sure he gets the win before any decisions are made.

“Last time I was here and fought (in April 2013), after that fight my life totally changed – it was a big cause in my life,” said Madadi, who was later convicted of burglary. “Always when I look back, one of the bigger things I regret is I didn’t enjoy that moment in time. Now I’m here again, new opportunity. I’m back again. Believe me I’m going to enjoy every second. How nervous I am, how bad is it, cut the weight – I just try to enjoy.”

Whether or not UFC Fight Night 109 is Madadi’s final fight, he said he’s going into the octagon with the same intentions as always: He wants to put on a spectacular “Fight of the Night” performance for fans. If he can do that, he will be happy.

“(I want) war, man,” Madadi said. “I am always down, and I’m going to do it again. Name one single fight I didn’t put on a show, where I took one step back. I’m going to do like I always do.”

For more on UFC Fight Night 109, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.