14-fight UFC vet retires after three-fight losing streak: ‘I’m sad, I’m excited, I’m happy, I’m afraid’

“From Hell” has referred to as it a profession.

Final Preventing Championship (UFC) Light-weight and The Final Fighter (TUF) 15 veteran, Vinc Pichel, as we speak (Mon., April 28, 2025) introduced his retirement from combined martial arts (MMA) at age 42, closing a gritty and galvanizing profession within the sport.

The brief model: At 42 years previous and I’m formally retiring from competing in MMA,” Pichel wrote.

The longer model: I’m unhappy, I’m excited, I’m glad, I’m afraid. I’m grateful to everybody who was with me or a part of my MMA profession and there are too many to listing, however thanks @johnmccarthymma @coachbrianpeterson @sugarfootkickboxing @felicia0h for taking this child out of the “perhaps” pile and to @coachmarcmontoya @scottyjiujitsu @g_____1000 for making the top to my profession nearly as good as it’s and to @revgear and @mr_smokebuddy thanks guys for all you’ve performed to assist me in my profession, it’s meant the world to me! As for everybody else who was a part of my profession, it’s due to you too that this child from California was in a position to do what he’s performed. Thanks and thanks to everybody who made me as proud as I’m to be me as we speak!

I’ll nonetheless be utilizing this and my different accounts to submit. I’m additionally planning on utilizing it to jot down a e book to you guys about my MMA journey with pics and movies nobody’s ever seen!

So I suppose that is it, as I stroll away I’ll go away you with this: Do what feels proper, don’t apologize for being you, study what you may from who you may, no remorse’s and most significantly, HAVE FUN!”

Pichel first gained prominence on TUF 15 in 2012, showcasing his uncooked expertise and relentless spirit. He superior to the semifinals, however fell to Al Iaquinta in a hard-fought bout. Regardless of the loss, his efficiency earned him a UFC contract, proving his potential as a Light-weight contender.

“From Hell” made his official Octagon debut six months later at TUF 16 Finale: “Carwin vs. Nelson,” dealing with Rustam Khabilov. Khabilov defeated him by way of suplex and ground-and-pound, handing Pichel his first skilled setback (watch it).

Undeterred, Pichel rebounded with a powerful four-fight win streak from 2013 to 2018, together with victories over notable fighters like Anthony Njokuani and Damien Brown. This run solidified his fame as a tricky and versatile competitor within the 155-pound division.

Sadly, accidents forged an extended shadow over Pichel’s profession. A 3-year layoff between 2014 and 2017 — coupled with recurring setbacks — restricted him to preventing simply as soon as per-year for many of his UFC tenure.

The 42-year-old retires on a three-fight dropping streak. Whereas now not among the many oldest energetic fighters on UFC’s roster (we’re taking a look at you, “Wonderboy), Pichel leaves behind a legacy of coronary heart and willpower. His profession report stands at 14-7 (7-6 in UFC), a testomony to his potential to compete on the highest stage regardless of adversity.

For a glimpse of Pichel’s larger-than-life persona, I’ll go away you together with his insane (but hilarious) interview clip from just a few years in the past.

Comfortable retirement, Vinc!

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