Joe Lauzon casts major doubts on his UFC career: "I'm not pressing the issue"
Joe Lauzon recently cast major doubt on his UFC career as he indicated that he will only compete again if it's an opponent that appeals to him. There has been plenty of speculation on his future with the promotion, especially considering that he hasn't fought since 2019.
The former TUF competitor was scheduled to fight Donald Cerrone at UFC 274 in 2022, however, he was forced to withdraw on the fight night due to an illness. After the bout was rescheduled to UFC on ESPN 37, the bout was once again canceled on fight night after Lauzon was forced to withdraw due to an injury. Since then, the 40-year-old attempted to return, but nothing has come to fruition.
While speaking to MMA Fighting, the UFC veteran claimed that he is unclear on whether he will compete again. He said:
"Everyone's always asking like, 'Are you fighting again?' And my answer is always kind of ambiguous, I don't really know. I wanted to fight Chase Hooper last summer...but that didn't work out...So, I don't know. If they came to me with a fight and a matchup that I liked...I'm still training all the time, but I'm not pressing the issue." [0:48 - 1:10]
Check out the full interview with Joe Lauzon below:
When did Joe Lauzon last compete?
Joe Lauzon last competed at UFC on ESPN 6 in 2019, where he fought Jonathan Pearce on the main card.
It was an impressive performance by the former TUF competitor as he made quick work of Pearce. He earned a first-round TKO win at 1:33, which snapped his three-fight losing skid that dated back to 2017.
Although it would be bitter-sweet if Lauzon doesn't compete again, he can at least find solace that his MMA career ended with an impressive win.
Check out the faceoff for Lauzon vs. Pearce below: