Jalin Turner releases statement on retirement at UFC 313, leaves door open for future return

03/12/2025 10:00 AM

Jalin Turner really is done with MMA. At least for now.

This past weekend, Turner squared off with Ignacio Bahamondes in the featured main card bout at UFC 313; it didn't go well. Bahamondes submitted Turner with a triangle choke just before the halfway mark of the first round. The loss was Turner's fourth in his past five fights and in a shocking turn of events, was also the final fight of Turner's career.

Backstage at the event, Turner announced he was retiring from MMA despite being only 29 years old and only nine years into his career. The announcement caught most people off guard but on Tuesday, "The Tarantula" confirmed his decision with a social media post where he revealed he's "lost the focus and fire" while also leaving the door open for a possible return in the future.

"Thank you for all the love and support! I started training MMA at 18 in 2013. I started training in my backyard, a SoCal, LA born, IE raised kid with no path and a big dream. God opened the door to MMA when I didn't know where else to go. I gave myself 4 years to fight in a big promotion and I did, then the 5th year I got to the UFC in 2018. Made it to the top 10 in the toughest division. I made it in a video game. Looking back, it doesn't feel real. I love you all. I'm sorry I lost my focus and fire earlier than ever expected. 29 years young, time is on my good side. I wish I could reply to everyone's messages. Just know all the positivity has helped me more than you all know. I appreciate it all!

"Things can change …We'll see what the future holds ️ "

Before his loss at UFC 313, Turner was the No. 13-ranked lightweight in the UFC rankings. He joined the UFC from Contender Series in 2018, debuting against Vicente Luque at welterweight before dropping down to 155 pounds where he amassed a 7-5 record in the promotion and earned two Performance of the Night bonuses.