2025-04-29T00:00:03Z

---

Vinc Pichel, a seasoned veteran of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), has officially announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) competition. At the age of 41, this announcement marks the end of a significant chapter in his life as he moves on from a sport that has defined much of his career.

In his heartfelt statement shared on Instagram, Pichel reflected on his emotions surrounding this decision. He stated, There is so much to say. The short version: At 42 years old, Im officially retiring from competing in MMA. His words conveyed a mix of sadness, excitement, happiness, and fear, showcasing the complex emotions that often accompany such a life-changing decision.

Pichel expressed his deep gratitude towards those who have supported him throughout his MMA journey. Im grateful to everyone who was with me or part of my MMA career, and there are too many to list, he said. He emphasized that the support from his fans, friends, and teammates has been instrumental in his achievements. This kid from California was able to do what hes done because of you, he added, underscoring the community aspect of the sport.

In his retirement announcement, Pichel also hinted at future plans, noting that he will continue to use his social media accounts to share insights into his life post-MMA. He expressed excitement about writing a book detailing his journey in the sport, promising to include never-before-seen pictures and videos. So I guess this is it, he remarked, leaving his followers with a parting message: Do what feels right, dont apologize for being you, learn what you can from who you can, no regrets, and most importantly, have fun!

Pichels journey in the UFC began as a contestant on the reality series The Ultimate Fighter during its fifteenth season. He marked his presence by winning two bouts in the TUF house before facing defeat against fellow competitor Al Iaquinta. After a challenging start, where he lost his official UFC debut to Rustam Khabilov in December 2012, Pichel rebounded impressively, securing four consecutive victories. He exhibited remarkable resilience and skill, finishing with a record of seven wins out of eight bouts, including a notable decision victory over the veteran fighter Jim Miller at UFC 252 in August 2020.

Throughout his UFC tenure, Pichel, nicknamed From Hell, compiled a professional record of 7 wins and 5 losses. His last victory occurred via decision against Austin Hubbard at UFC Vegas 34 in August 2021. Despite ending his career on a three-fight losing streak, Pichels contributions to the sport and his fighting spirit will not be forgotten.