One of the UFC’s up-and-coming talents in the lightweight class was formerly thought to be “The Tarantula.” Jalin Turner had a five-fight winning streak from 2020 to 2023, winning each fight via a finish. But the wheels fell off in a flash. In early 2023, Mateusz Gamrot abruptly ended Turner’s winning streak with a split decision. After that, he lost two of his next three fights, falling to Renato Moicano and Dan Hooker.
Before UFC 313, Jalin Turner desperately wanted to defeat Ignacio Bahamondes, who was on the rise. Unfortunately for the 29-year-old, “La Jaula” submitted him within the first round. After the bout, Turner abruptly proclaimed his retirement in front of the media. Because of the incredible maneuver, both boxers and supporters showed their support in spades. Turner expressed his satisfaction with his choice on Instagram, but he hinted that he might have second thoughts.
Earlier today, the 29-year-old talked about his retirement choice on The Ariel Helwani Show. Jalin Turner acknowledged that he still stands by his choice to hang up the gloves there. The UFC lightweight continued by saying he has already received the promotion’s letter confirming his retirement and that he has no regrets about his choice. Although giving up on your aspirations can be difficult, Turner thinks it’s the correct decision.
Jalin Turner discusses his decision to retire after losing to Ignacio Bahamondes in UFC 313
“Yeah, I’m still feeling the same way.” Jalin Turner stated to Ariel Helwani earlier today, discussing his decision to retire at UFC 313. “It’s been settling in a little bit more. I got my retirement letter from the UFC, and I stand by the decision. That’s where I’m at right now with it. I took some time off [after UFC 300], and stepped away. I didn’t fight for about 11 months, almost a year, I was just trying to find if I had the drive, the inspiration to fight. There was so much going on.”
He continued, “There’s so much going on with me mentally, and defeat always sucks. I just had to process some things that I was going through and I kept trying to find the love for the sport again… It’s hard to be at the top of the sport and be inconsistent mentally… Yeah, I feel like a weight has been lifted. But also, it’s the death of my dreams, it’s hard. I mourn it, the more sets in the more I think about it, it’s hard. There’s good days and bad days.”
“I fight back tears talking about it.” Jalin Turner concluded. “I think it’s just, you know, it’s the right decision.”
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