Jalin Turner walked away from MMA believing he had fought his final fight, but the cage eventually called him back.
After returning to score a victory over Kaue Fernandes at UFC 330 on Saturday night, “The Tarantula” made it clear that this chapter of his career is about more than wins, losses or chasing another run at UFC gold.
“If it was up to me I would probably be…I just want to help people. I just want to do other things, I want to be praying for people, ministering for people, coaching, helping others. I just want to help serve people,” he said.
“Even when I retired I was ready to just start coaching, doing anything else. Me finding my faith, and this relationship with God, it’s really shown and opened up my eyes. He audibly told me ‘I want you in that area.’ So I’m like ok. You want me here, I’m here, I’m doing it out of obedience.”
Turner’s return is less about rediscovering his love for fighting and more about approaching the sport with a new perspective. His renewed faith has lifted some of that pressure, allowing Turner to focus on the work rather than the result.
“I did love this at one point. It’s not like there’s any love lost, it’s just I found a different passion for it. Finding a higher power, finding that connection that relationship, it’s made it to the point that I come in here free,” Turner said.
“The results aren’t ultimately on me. I show up, I do what I love, I’m training. The outcome is in his hands.”
Stepping away from the sport also gave Turner a chance to appreciate the talent and hunger surrounding him at Bloodline Combat Sports in California. But through all those voices, it was longtime friend and UFC veteran Cub Swanson who reminded him just how quickly things can turn around.
“Stepping away, seeing these guys that are hungry, dude they’re so good. There’s so much talent in that room, and there’s guys that are hungry, guys that deserve to be in the UFC. Richie Miranda just got his opportunity. I was happy for him. Danny Silva I just hope he gets his health back and he’s been a killer. Lerryan (Douglas) he has hands of stone, bro,” he said.
“Having a vet like Cub (Swanson) in my ear helping me out through my challenges because he’s been through some ups and downs. He’s like, ‘All you need is one good win and everything will shift. All you need is one.’ I’ve known Cub since I was 18-years-old. He saw my fight as an amateur so he’s always believed in me.”
Turner isn’t setting a return date just yet, but he’s clearly ready to get back in the cage. Armed with a new five-fight deal, he’s simply waiting for the UFC, and the man upstairs, to give him the green light.
“I signed a new five-fight deal. I know I’m here, I know this is what God’s called me to do,” he said.
“When I retire the next time, for sure going to retire, like I’m done. I’m just waiting for that call. God we good? Alright, cool.”
Watch the entire post-fight scrum with Jalin Turner above.
