In the middle of September 2021, two long-tenured UFC veterans called it a career.

On Wednesday, September 15, flyweight contender Joseph Benavidez announced his retirement. Benavidez (28-8 MMA, 15-6 UFC) challenged for a UFC title thrice, once against Demetrious Johnson and twice against Deveison Figueiredo. At 37 years of age, he fought once in 2021, losing a wide decision to Askar Askarov at UFC 259. He also previously challenged Dominick Cruz for the WEC bantamweight title. He owns wins over notable names such as Eddie Wineland, Alex Perez, Tim Elliott, and former dual champion Henry Cejudo. His last win was in June 2019; it was against Jussier Formiga.

On Friday, September 17, former UFC interim welterweight champion Carlos Condit announced he was done. Condit, like Benavidez, challenged for undisputed UFC gold unsuccessfully multiple times. In 2016, he took then-champion Robbie Lawler to the limit in what is regarded as one of the greatest fights in UFC welterweight history. He also earned Fight of the Night honors after giving Georges St-Pierre a scare at UFC 154. At 37, his pro record is 32-14 (9-10 UFC). He went 1-1 in 2021, starting off the year with a decision over Matt Brown in a pairing that was coming to fruition after multiple cancellations. He lost to Max Griffin, also by decision, at UFC 264.

Both men will be remembered as fierce competitors who brought their all, especially with championship implications, and as part of some of the most pivotal bouts in their respective divisions.