Vinc Pichel

Vincent Alan Pichel (born November 23, 1982) is an American former professional mixed martial artist who competed in the Lightweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship, achieving a 7–5 record in the promotion. A professional from 2009 to 2025, Pichel was also a contestant on The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

Early life Growing up in Canoga Park, Los Angeles, Pichel was expelled from multiple schools due to his behavior during his youth. He never graduated, and at the age of 15 he was already using drugs which ultimately led him to get kicked out from his home by his mother. For five years he was using drugs and lacking permanent residence but after getting introduced to MMA by his friend, Pichel straightened out and started ambitiously training.

Mixed martial arts career Early career Pichel compiled an amateur record of 10–1 before turning professional in 2009. He won his first seven fights by KO/TKO before trying out for The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

The Ultimate Fighter: Live Pichel was one of 32 Lightweight fighters announced by the UFC to participate in first live season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show. Pichel advanced into the TUF house and won two bouts before losing to Al Iaquinta.

Ultimate Fighting Championship After reaching the semifinals in The Ultimate Fighter: Live, Pichel was given an opportunity in the UFC. He made his official UFC debut on December 15, 2012. Pichel fought promotional newcomer Rustam Khabilov and lost the fight via KO due to a suplex and punches in the first round.

Pichel next fought Garett Whiteley at UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou on January 15, 2014. He won the fight by a unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Anthony Njokuani at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014. He won the fight via unanimous decision. In the months after the fight, Pichel suffered a torn labrum and bicep, sidelining him for three years.

After an extended hiatus, Pichel returned to face Damien Brown on June 11, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 110. He won the fight via knockout in the first round.

Pichel faced Joaquim Silva on January 27, 2018, at UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Gregor Gillespie on June 1, 2018, at UFC Fight Night 131. He lost the fight via arm-triangle choke in the second round.

Pichel faced Roosevelt Roberts on June 29, 2019, at UFC on ESPN 3. He won the fight via unanimous decision. The fight was the last of his prevailing contract with the UFC, making him a free agent.

Pichel was scheduled to face Alexander Yakovlev on November 9, 2019, at UFC on ESPN+ 21 However, Pichel pulled out of the fight on October 24 citing an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Roosevelt Roberts.

Having recovered from the hip surgery that pulled him from the Yakovlev fight, Pichel faced Jim Miller at UFC 252 on August 15, 2020. He won the fight by unanimous decision.

Pichel faced Austin Hubbard on August 21, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 29. He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Pichel was scheduled to face Mark Madsen on February 12, 2022, at UFC 271. However, they were moved to UFC 273 for unknown reasons. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Pichel was scheduled to face Jesse Ronson on October 1, 2022, at UFC Fight Night 211. However, Pichel withdrew due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by Joaquim Silva.

Pichel was scheduled to face Benoît Saint-Denis on July 1, 2023, at UFC on ESPN 48. However, Pichel pulled out in late-May due to injury and was replaced by Ismael Bonfim.

Pichel was scheduled to face Ismael Bonfim on November 4, 2023, at UFC Fight Night 231. At the weigh-ins, Ismael Bonfim weighed in at 159.5 pounds, three and a half pounds over the lightweight non-title fight limit. As a result, his scheduled bout with Ismael Bonfim was scrapped. The pair was eventually rebooked for UFC 301 on May 4, 2024. He lost the fight via unanimous decision.

Replacing Joaquim Silva who withdrew for unknown reasons, Pichel is scheduled to face Rafa García on March 29, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 64. Pichel lost to García via unanimous decision.

On April 28, 2025, Pichel announced his retirement from mixed martial arts competition.

Personal life Pichel formerly worked for AAA while also fighting in the UFC. Later, he went to school to become an electrician instead.

Mixed martial arts record Loss

Rafa García Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg

Mexico City, Mexico Loss

Ismael Bonfim Decision (unanimous) UFC 301

Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Loss

Mark Madsen Decision (unanimous) UFC 273

Jacksonville, Florida, United States Win

Austin Hubbard Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Cannonier vs. Gastelum

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Jim Miller Decision (unanimous) UFC 252

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Roosevelt Roberts Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Ngannou vs. dos Santos

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States Loss

Gregor Gillespie Submission (arm-triangle choke) UFC Fight Night: Rivera vs. Moraes

Utica, New York, United States Win

Joaquim Silva Decision (unanimous) UFC on Fox: Jacaré vs. Brunson 2

Charlotte, North Carolina, United States Win

Damien Brown KO (punches) UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Hunt

Auckland, New Zealand Win

Anthony Njokuani Decision (unanimous) UFC 173

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

Garett Whiteley Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Rockhold vs. Philippou

Duluth, Georgia, United States Loss

Rustam Khabilov KO (suplex and punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Team Carwin vs. Team Nelson Finale

Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Win

David Gardner TKO (punches) Fight Club OC

Costa Mesa, California, United States Win

Matt Bahntge KO (punch) All Stars Promotions MMA

Commerce, California, United States Win

Emilio Chavez TKO (punches) Respect the Cage

Pomona, California, United States Win

Rodney Rhoden TKO (punches) All Star Promotions: Civic Disobedience 4

Los Angeles, California, United States Win

Anthony McDavitt TKO (punches) Santa Ynez MMA

Santa Ynez, California, United States Win

Miles Howard TKO (punches) National Fight Alliance MMA: Resurrection

Ventura, California, United States Win

Franky Childs KO (punches) Hitman Fighting Productions

Pomona, California, United States Loss

Al Iaquinta Decision (unanimous)

(Live airdate)

Win

Chris Saunders Decision (majority) (Live airdate)

Win

John Cofer Submission (arm triangle choke) (Live airdate)

Win

Cody Pfister Submission (rear naked choke) (Live airdate)