Exclusive: Joe Warren Talks Potential Retirement And Switching Weight Classes

We reported this week that Cheick Kongo may be wrapping up his MMA career. When Fightful.com asked Joe Warren if he planned to do the same, he wanted us to pump the brakes. 

The 39-year old Warren has shown no signs of slowing down at any point during his six-year run with Bellator. Ahead of his Bellator 161 fight with Sirwan Kakai, he doesn't see age as being a factor in that fight, nor in his career for quite a while.

"I don't think I got into the cage until I was 32. I feel like I'm safer in the cage now than when I started. Technically, I'm way more sound and physically stronger. I'm wanting an opportunity to get that belt back. I'm not that worried about my age, but it seems like everyone else is. I'm just going to keep winning and keep fighting. I'm going to keep taking care of my family. I've always had a belt, defending the belt or fighting for the belt. I've had some of the toughest battles people have had, but it hasn't taken a toll on me," Warren told Fightful.com.

Warren is a former Bellator Bantamweight and Featherweight Champion, the first two-division title holder in company history. Even though he's found a home at 135 pounds, Warren also wouldn't rule out the possibility of fighting up a weight class again.

"I'm ten pounds over 135 when I walk around. That's why I dropped down to 135. It's safer for longevity, 135ers don't hit as hard as 145ers. I'm always open to the opportunity for some money fights, I don't worry about the matchups. I just make sure I show up. We'll see what the future holds for me," said Warren.

Warren takes on Sirwan Kakai September 16 at Bellator 161 from the HEB Center in Cedar Park, Texas. Fightful.com will have full, live coverage of the event. 

Photo courtesy of Bellator MMA