UFC’s oldest fighter announces MMA retirement after 12-fight run

It was only a matter of time before UFC veteran Vinc Pichel called it a career. The 42-year-old was the oldest fighter on the UFC roster for nearly a year after former heavyweight champion Andrei Arlovski left the premier promotion last summer. Pichel fought in the Octagon a total of 12 times, making his final appearance at UFC Mexico City in March where he joined the UFC’s youngest fighter Raul Rosas Jr.

on the card. ‘From Hell’ Pichel suffered his third-straight loss when he battled Rafa Garcia , losing in a controversial decision over the distance. A month removed from the defeat, Pichel has decided it’s time to be moving on.



Vinc Pichel speaks on retirement after 20+ fights On Monday, Vinc Pichel would announce his MMA retirement, the longtime lightweight walking away with a winning record of 14-5 (7-5 in UFC). “There is so much to say,” Pichel wrote on X. “The short version: At 42 years old, I’m officially retiring from competing in MMA.

“The long version: I’m sad, I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m afraid. I’m grateful to everyone who was with me or part of my MMA career and there are too many to list but it’s because of you this kid from California was able to do what he’s done. There is so much to say.

The short version: At 42 years old, I’m officially retiring from competing in MMA. The long version: I’m sad, I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m afraid. I’m grateful to everyone who was with me or part of my MMA career and there are too many to list, “Hugest of thank you’s to Big John McCarthy for the opportunity to become more than I ever dreamed.

Without Big John, I wouldn’t have had the chance or had the foundation I do today as a man and a fighter who was just a tough, stubborn kid when we first met...

Pichel continued thanking his team and the people who helped get him to where is today, leaving the fans with a positive message as he hangs up the gloves. “Well this is it, as I walk away I’ll leave you with this: Do what feels right, don’t apologize for being you, be yourself, learn what you can from who you can, no regret’s and most importantly, HAVE FUN!” Pichel concluded. Raul Rosas Jr (20) and Vinc Pichel (42) #UFCMexicoCity Youngest athlete on the roster Oldest athlete on the roster pic.

twitter.com/xkIdjfoVOo Vinc Pichel beat Jim Miller and handed two fighters their first loss Pichel began his MMA career in 2008 and had his first pro fight in 2009 whenever he was 26 years old. Pichel’s UFC debut took place in 2012 after competing on ‘The Ultimate Fighter 15’.

He won his first three fights on the reality TV show before he lost to perennial contender Al Iaquinta. During his time in the Octagon, Pichel fought undefeated prospects Gregor Gillespie , Mark Madsen, Roosevelt Roberts, Joaquim Silva, handing Silva and Roberts their first pro loss. The biggest victory of Pichel’s MMA career came in 2020 whenever he defeated the UFC’s all-time leader in wins Jim Miller by decision at UFC 252.

This article first appeared on Bloody Elbow and was syndicated with permission..