At 42 years of age, Mirko Cro Cop is still able to pick up big wins against younger opponents. But after winning the 2016 Rizin Open-Weight Grand Prix tournament in Japan last December 31^st, the MMA veteran announced his retirement for the second time in his lengthy career.

“That was definitely my last tournament. I have health problems and this is definitely the end of my career,” Cro Cop said. “I know I have announced my retirement before, but this is definitely it.”

Cro Cop went on to specify his “health problems” during Monday’s edition of The MMA Hour, stating he would need knee surgery in about ten days. But even so, he maintains that like any fighter, he will always hold the desire to compete.

“There will always be a fire inside of me. But there is a time where you have to say enough,” Cro Cop said (via MMA Fighting).

Cro Cop revealed that his right knee swelled up during each training session throughout his eight-week camp leading up to the tournament. Apparently, it was already a busted knee eight years ago, which he had re-injured recently.

But if he is able to fully recover after the surgery, the former PRIDE champion says he is open for one last bout fight to serve as the swan song for his storied MMA run.

“It would be nice if I will be able to recover enough that I can have a farewell fight, maybe in Japan. It would be nice, but to tell you the truth I don’t know how the surgery will do,” Cro Cop said.

“I’m grateful. Huge support I had in my career. Sometimes I ask myself, do I deserve it? I had unbelievable support.”

Cro Cop’s interview begins at the 1:55:10 mark of the video.