There comes a time in every fighter’s career where they should consider hanging it up.

Before we get underway, it must be said that I’ve always been a fan of Lyoto Machida. The karateka is the reason I’ve trained extensively in shotokan karate for the past decade. But the recent revelation that the former UFC Light Heavyweight champion was taking a banned substances is absolutely crushing. When you mention the name Machida most fans will think of a karate master who embodies honor, dedication, and humility, a true martial artist. But ever since the UFC has been cracking down banned substance abuse in the organization, more and more of the heroes that many diehard fans of the sport grew up idolizing are being exposed. Now granted, this revelation doesn’t necessarily suggest that Machida had been taking banned substances his entire career. The funny thing about the banned substance lists is that they’re constantly being updated and the usual harmless supplement a fighter used to take may end up being on the list at any given time. The investigations into many supplements have revealed that products that have been advertised as all natural have been revealed to be less than genuine. That being said, Machida and his team should have been smarter than this. At the highest level of the sport you need to be sure that you exactly what you’re putting into your body to have optimal performance without being popped for a banned substance. Pleading ignorance as Machida has opted to do doesn’t explain away the fact that his team was incompetent in allowing this to happen. Machida was utilizing 7-Keto, a supplement that helps the user manage body weight, a supplement which contains DHEA, a known anabolic substance. Machida and his team should have been all over this, but it just shows a lack of care and pure ignorance to let something like this slip through the cracks. All of this has led me to believe that Lyoto Machida should consider retirement. The fact that he must take all these supplements to remain in top condition is a major indicator that it may be time for him to hang up the gloves. As much as it would be a pleasure to see the Brazilian karate master compete in the cage once more, if doing so means that he must take a bunch of unnatural or banned substances, then the better bet is for him to retire and maintain his dignity. It’s a bitter pill to swallow for an avid Machida fan, but sometimes you have to sit back, smell the roses, and realize when it’s time to ride off into the sunset. What’s your thoughts on this revelation? Follow Generation Iron MMA on Facebook and Twitter. Also, be sure to share, like, and comment to show your support.

Jonathan Salmon is a writer, martial arts instructor, and geek culture enthusiast. Check out his Twitter and Facebook to keep up with his antics.