Eric “Butterbean” Esch can see the end of the road. In a long and colorful career, “Butterbean” has implanted himself, for better or worse, in the consciousness of fight fans around the world. On Friday, at Moosin: God of Martial Arts, Esch may be throwing down for the last time.

Originally, the 43-year-old had no intention of competing in the event. He would have preferred staying behind the scenes as the co-promoter of the show. However, a challenge from Boston radio personality, Lyondon Byers, was too good to ignore. Lyondon, a former professional hockey player, offered to fight “Butterbean,” with their paychecks going to charity.

While he hasn’t officially announced his retirement, Esch has begun to devote more time to his two sons, both of which aspire to be fighters like their father.

“I’d really rather them not, but I’m very supportive of them now that they want to do it. I’ve had 200 fights and I can feel it. But you don’t think about it when you’re that age.”

Beyond his parental duties, “Butterbean” plans to continue promoting events. In fact, Friday’s fight card had an entirely different main attraction in mind. Moosin was originally planning on pitting James Toney against Houston Alexander. Everything was progressing nicely, until the UFC threw a wrench into the works.

“James committed to fight for us. He said, ‘It’s a done deal.’ He said, ‘I’m going in the morning to sign the contract with attorneys.’ Next day I talk to him he’s on his way to the attorneys; next thing I know he’s on an airplane going to meet Dana White in (Las) Vegas. [James] flew to Vegas to tell Dana White off, and where Dana can stick it. But I guess Dana got out the checkbook and James went crazy and Dana offered him … all this big money.”

Unexpected setbacks are simply part of the job. Despite the frustration, Esch wouldn’t want to do anything else. Up until this point, being a fighter sometimes got in the way of his other career goals. After this Friday, “Butterbean” may hang up the American flag shorts for good and move on to the next phase of his life.

“It’s time to slow down a little bit and let the younger guys do it, and give them a venue to fight in.”

(Source: MMA Junkie)