12-fight UFC vet Vinc Pichel announces MMA retirement

Vinc Pichel is calling it a career as a professional mixed martial artist.

The 12-fight UFC veteran announced his retirement from MMA competition at the age of 41. Pichel ended his fighting career on a three-fight skid, including a decision loss to Rafa Garcia in his final fight at UFC Mexico in March.

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

“The longer 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. … It’s meant the world to me! As for everyone else who was part of my career, it’s because of you, too, that this kid from California was able to do what he’s done. Thank you, and thank you to everyone who made me as proud as I am to be me today!

“I will still be using this and my other accounts to post. I’m also planning on using it to write a book to you guys about my MMA journey with pics and videos no one’s ever seen!

“So I guess this is it, as I walk away I’ll leave you with this: Do what feels right, don’t apologize for being you, learn what you can from who you can, no regret’s and most importantly, have fun!”

Pichel began his UFC run as a castmate on season 15 of The Ultimate Fighter, where he won two bouts in the TUF house before losing to Al Iaquinta. After losing his official UFC debut to Rustam Khabilov in December 2012, Pichel won four straight, and seven of his next eight bouts — including a decision win against Jim Miller at UFC 252 in August 2020.

“From Hell” went 7-5 as a UFC fighter, with his last victory coming via decision against Austin Hubbard at UFC Vegas 34 in August 2021.