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Previous TUF Competitor Retires From MMA

Originally posted on MMA Sucka | By Hank Strandberg | Last updated May 1, 2025 11:30 AM ET

After almost 13 years on the UFC roster, Ultimate Fighter alumnus Vinc Pichel has made the decision to walk away from mixed martial arts.

Vinc Pichel Announces Retirement

A veteran of 12 fights in the promotion, Vinc Pichel has been a part of the UFC banner since 2012 after earning a contract from his time on the 15th season of the Ultimate Fighter. Winning his first three bouts on the show, “From Hell” was ultimately taken out in the semi finals by New York standout Al Iaquinta. During his tenure with the company, the California native had collected victories over strong lightweight names in Roosevelt Roberts, Austin Hubbard and Jim Miller.

Coming off of a unanimous decision defeat to Rafa Garcia on March 29 at UFC on ESPN 64, Vinc Pichel released a statement on his X profile earlier today to reveal that he is officially hanging up his gloves, thanking everyone who has been with him throughout his journey as a fighter.

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,

— Vinc Pichel (@FromHellPichel) April 28, 2025

Vinc Pichel Makes It Official On Social Media

“There is so much to say. The short version: At 42 years old, I’m officially retiring from competing in MMA,” Vinc Pichel began. 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.”

“I’m really going to miss hearing the crack of those pads!”, Vinc Pichel continued. “Thank you to everyone at the UFC, Joe Silva, Sean Shelby and everyone behind the scenes that make everything run like the well oiled machine it is, love you guys!”

Vinc Pichel Offers His Final Thoughts

“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!,” he closed.

Vinc Pichel retires from the sport with an overall record of 14-5, as well as a 7-5 run in the UFC. He takes his leave from the organization on a three-fight losing streak, suffering three back-to-back decision setbacks to Mark Madsen, Ismael Bonfim and the aforementioned Garcia.

This article first appeared on MMA Sucka and was syndicated with permission.

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