The oldest fighter on the UFC’s active roster is active no more, as Vinc Pichel has announced his retirement.
The lightweight known as “From Hell” Pichel, who battled injury and inactivity throughout a UFC career that began in 2012, is hanging up the gloves at age 42.
Pichel (14-5), who joined the promotion following a stint on The Ultimate Fighter 15 in 2012, won three fights on the show before losing a unanimous decision to Al Iaquinta in the semifinal round. He joined the UFC nonetheless, going 7-2 in his first nine fights from 2012 to 2021.
The only problem was inactivity, with Pichel dealing with everything from a serious neck injury to a broken orbital over the years.
“There is so much to say. The short version: At 42 years old and I’m officially retiring from competing in MMA,” Pichel wrote on social media on Monday, announcing his retirement. “The longer version: I’m sad, I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m afraid,” he continued, thanking his coaches and supporters including “Big” John McCarthy, Brian Petersen, Marc Montoya and others.
“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! Also huge thank you to EVERYONE at the UFC and Joe Silva and Sean Shelby for letting me be me all these years!”
“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!” added Pichel, who finished by saying “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!”
Vinc Pichel wraps up his career with a pro record of 14-5 in MMA, and notable wins over Jim Miller, Anthony Njokuani, Demian Brown and others. He last competed in March, dropping a decision to Rafa Garcia, his third straight setback.
