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Titan Champ Rick Hawn Goes Out on Top: ‘I'm Fine with Knowing It's My Time'
After six years and a 21-4 record, former Bellator title contender and most recent Titan FC lightweight champion Rick Hawn decided it was time to retire from MMA.
Speaking to MMAWeekly.com for the first time since his retirement, Hawn discussed his decision to step away from fighting, going out a champion, and what’s next for him post-MMA.
MMAWeekly.com: Firstly, Rick, why did you decide to retire from MMA at this point in your career?
Rick Hawn: Over the summer, I kind of unofficially retired and was kind of done with it and made some announcements to friends and family, but nothing really public, when Titan called asking if I’d take a title fight. It was a good opportunity, so I decided to take one more fight and saw how it went.
I’ve been doing this a long time. I’m not as young as I used to be, so it’s gotten harder on the body and the mind. I needed to find something more secure financially longterm.
MMAWeekly.com: You’re retiring after a high point in your career with the title win in Titan. How does it feel to leave now with this as your final bout?
Rick Hawn: It feels good to be able to do that. Most people don’t. To be able to go out on a high note and win my first title in MMA was pretty amazing. It was a good time to step away and it doesn’t really get much better than that.
MMAWeekly.com: Titles aside, what else stands out to you in your MMA career?
Rick Hawn: When I first moved down to lightweight (in 2012), I had a couple good knockouts and good fights. I was able to unleash the power in my hands for the first time. Throughout my career to see something new I learned play out in a fight it was exciting.
MMAWeekly.com: What’s next for you now that you’re no longer fighting?
Rick Hawn: I want to have a successful school and have some financial stability. I think we’ll do really well. I have a business partner who is the owner of a couple of other schools that are successful, so I don’t really have any doubts that the school will do well.
MMAWeekly.com: Some fighters retire only to come back and fight again. What would you say if a promotion came to you and asked you to return and fight for them?
Rick Hawn: More than likely, I’d tell them no. Unless it was a ton of money, but I don’t think anyone’s going to offer me a ton of money to fight. I can’t say it wouldn’t happen anyway, but for the most part, I’m definitely fine with knowing it’s my time (to step away).
MMAWeekly.com: Thanks for taking time out for us, Rick. Is there anything you want to say in closing?
Rick Hawn: I want to thank all my fans that have supported me throughout the years. Hopefully, it’s not the last time they hear from me. Hopefully, I’ll get back on the Jiu-Jitsu circuit or do some other things like that as well.
(Photo courtesy of Titan FC and Bo Flores Photography)
