It is one of the toughest things to do in combat sports, yet it is a decision that has to be made by all who enter the octagon or boxing ring.
Some fighters manage to do it in style, while for others it remains a struggle and sometimes a regret as they deal with life after fighting despite the internal battle raging on.
Former world champions Hekkie Budler and Dino Bagattin weigh in on their careers, the difficult choice to call time on their careers and why there is no other sport like combat sports.
Don't miss this exclusive insight into the world of professional combat sports from a boxing and MMA point of view.