“From Hell” has called it a career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Lightweight and The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 veteran, Vinc Pichel, today (Mon., April 28, 2025) announced his retirement from mixed martial arts (MMA) at age 42, closing a gritty and inspiring career in the sport.
The short version: At 42 years old and I’m officially retiring from competing in MMA,” Pichel wrote.
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, but thank you @johnmccarthymma @coachbrianpeterson @sugarfootkickboxing @felicia0h for taking this kid out of the “maybe” pile and to @coachmarcmontoya @scottyjiujitsu @g_____1000 for making the end to my career as good as it is and to @revgear and @mr_smokebuddy thank you guys for all you’ve done to support me in my career, 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 first gained prominence on TUF 15 in 2012, showcasing his raw talent and relentless spirit. He advanced to the semifinals, but fell to Al Iaquinta in a hard-fought bout. Despite the loss, his performance earned him a UFC contract, proving his potential as a Lightweight contender.
“From Hell” made his official Octagon debut six months later at TUF 16 Finale: “Carwin vs. Nelson,” facing Rustam Khabilov. Khabilov defeated him via suplex and ground-and-pound, handing Pichel his first professional setback (watch it).
Undeterred, Pichel rebounded with an impressive four-fight win streak from 2013 to 2018, including victories over notable fighters like Anthony Njokuani and Damien Brown. This run solidified his reputation as a tough and versatile competitor in the 155-pound division.
Unfortunately, injuries cast a long shadow over Pichel’s career. A three-year layoff between 2014 and 2017 — coupled with recurring setbacks — limited him to fighting just once per-year for most of his UFC tenure.
The 42-year-old retires on a three-fight losing streak. While no longer among the oldest active fighters on UFC’s roster (we’re looking at you, “Wonderboy), Pichel leaves behind a legacy of heart and determination. His career record stands at 14-7 (7-6 in UFC), a testament to his ability to compete at the highest level despite adversity.
For a glimpse of Pichel’s larger-than-life personality, I’ll leave you with his insane (yet hilarious) interview clip from a few years ago.
Happy retirement, Vinc!
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