UFC Vegas 87 is up and underway and we have had a pretty action-filled night so far. With some highlight-worthy performances and finishes, the card has been a joy to watch. However, it hasn’t been all singing and dancing for many including Jamie Pickett.
For those unaware, Pickett took on Eryk ‘Ya Boi’ Anders in the main fight of the prelims at UFC Vegas 87. Naturally, those following the fighter will know that Jamie has had a pretty rough time in the UFC. Having made his way into the promotion in 2020, the fighter revealed that he intended to make his last walk to the ring with his fight against Anders.
Jamie Pickett announces MMA retirement after his #UFCVegas87 loss.
“I got kids that count on me. My little girls. I want to be positive role model in their lives. I want to guide them through life. I can’t do it if I’m messed up from fighting.” pic.twitter.com/UgUfwCwmlw
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) March 2, 2024
As such, the UFC broadcast team revealed to the audience and the fans watching at home, that Pickett would be retiring at the end of the night. Unfortunately, he wasn’t able to make his exit memorable as he was dominated by Anders from start to finish. Following the fight, Pickett revealed the thought process behind his decision to retire.
Speaking to the media, he stated, “I got kids that count on me. My little girls. I want to be a positive role model in their lives. I want to guide them through life. I can’t do it if I’m messed up from fighting.” As such, Pickett will likely shift his focus to being a present and supportive father for the foreseeable future.
Jamie Pickett’s UFC record
Coming into his career swansong, Jamie Pickett was already on 4 consecutive losses. With the result on Saturday evening, he ends his career with 5 consecutive losses, finishing 2-7 in the UFC. All things considered, Pickett’s overall MMA record now reads 13 wins and 11 losses. As such, he ends his journey with 9 of his wins coming by way of KO/TKO.
Previously, Jamie lost his UFC debut to Tafon Nchukwi, followed by a loss to Jordan Wright at UFC 262. Thereafter, the fighter injected life into his failing career, picking up two consecutive wins against Laureano Staropoli and Joseph Holmes. However, the purple patch was short-lived as he would then lose to Kyle Daukaus.
Make that 2 wins out of his last 3 👏@ErykAnders takes home the UD victory! #UFCVegas87 pic.twitter.com/rJddhY2lco
— UFC (@ufc) March 2, 2024
Thereafter things went from bad to worse for Pickett as he would face Denis Tiuliulin, and highly touted prospect Bo Nickal next. Further, his loss to Josh Fremd was likely the final nail in the coffin, leading the fighter to finalize his decision. Notably, it is unknown whether Jamie was at the end of his UFC contract or not.
Fans react to Jamie Pickett retiring at UFC Vegas 87
For the most part, Jamie Pickett was on the chopping block long before his fight against Eryk Anders. As is the case with MMA fans, Pickett had become yet another inside joke similar to the likes of Parker Porter and many other such infamous fighters with poor records.
With that said, the cavalry was out and about for the auspicious occasion of Jamie Pickett’s sendoff. Taking to social media, many fans gave their respect to the fighter whilst some took to trashing the fighter for his fight IQ and bad decision-making. Despite his performances and career in general being nothing to write home about, Pickett, like every fighter deserves respect for stepping inside the Octagon.
As such fans wrote, “Jamie Pickett will go down as one of the greats 13-11 record yessir,” and “Wow! Jamie Pickett is retiring from MMA! Happy for him! Respectable guy for sure”. Looking back, the 35-year-old had the tools to be a very decent fighter but things didn’t pan out that way. With that said, Pickett will have decisions to make regarding his career moving forward, if he hasn’t done so already.