UFC: Mike Pyle announces retirement from MMA; talks UFC 222 fight

On a recent edition of the MMA Hour, Mike Pyle announced his retirement from MMA.

Speaking to Ariel Helwani, Pyle asserted that his fight at UFC 222 will serve as his farewell bout.

Mike Pyle has competed in the sport of MMA since 1999, with his first fight coming against none other than Quinton ‘Rampage’ Jackson.

Pyle has amassed a 41 fight record thus far with several notable wins and losses, however, at the age of 42, he plans on fighting just one more time in the cage.

Pyle confirmed that this weekend’s bout will be his very last.

Mike Pyle revealed money to be the primary reason behind his retirement—

“The paychecks just aren’t big enough for me to stay in harm’s way at my age,” Pyle stated. “That’s it. I’m easily gonna walk away. It’s really not that hard, to be honest. It is my identity, that’s what I’ve been identified as, as a fighter for so many years. It’s gonna be a different change, but it’s nothing that hits the heart too much.”

“I’m gonna retire. It’s been a long road and that’s it,” Pyle added. “I want to hang the gloves up and move on. I’m excited to make that move, I’m ready to retire. I’m 43 [in September] this year, it’s time.”

Mike Pyle faces Zak Ottow at UFC 222 this weekend. The event will be headlined by a UFC Women’s Featherweight title fight between Cris Cyborg and Yana Kunitskaya that takes place on March 3rd.