Fan favorite Niko Price returns to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 122 after his initial retirement went overlooked in Seattle.
Ultimate Fighting Championship welterweight fan favorite Niko Price is returning to action for one final fight against Leon Shahbazyan on the UFC Vegas 122 prelims this Saturday, October 10, 2026, inside the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Price originally announced his retirement earlier this year at UFC Seattle during fight week ahead of his bout against Michael Chiesa. Unfortunately, Chiesa was also retiring that night and received nearly all of the broadcast attention, leaving Price's farewell completely overlooked, according to information published by mmamania.
Now, UFC matchmakers are stepping in to give the 21-fight Octagon veteran a proper sendoff. Sean Shelby and the organization reached out to Price directly to offer him a chance to exit the sport on his own terms.
Why Niko Price missed his initial retirement sendoff
Price admitted that his initial retirement announcement caught everyone by surprise, including UFC official Sean Shelby. Because Michael Chiesa was sharing the retirement spotlight at UFC Seattle, the broadcast attention heavily favored Chiesa, leaving Price feeling entirely unacknowledged during the event.
Daniel Cormier later explained why the veteran did not receive his proper retirement sendoff that night, describing the situation as unusually awkward. Price noted that the surprise announcement simply got lost in the shuffle of the event's broadcast priorities.
Matchup details for UFC Vegas 122
For his final bout, Niko Price has been matched against Leon Shahbazyan, whose early Octagon career began with a difficult loss. The organization carefully selected an opponent rather than throwing Price to an undefeated or heavily hyped prospect for his final walk.
Entering the event with a 16-11 professional record, Price is currently on a four-fight losing streak with first-round stoppage losses in his last two appearances. Despite a tough recent skid, his entire career has been defined by exciting, violent action fights.
Is this really the final fight for The Hybrid?
MMA retirements are rarely permanent, but Price insists this weekend marks his final rodeo in the sport. He feels accomplished in his career and plans to walk away for good once the final bell sounds in Las Vegas.
However, Price joked that the only thing that could possibly change his mind would be a special golden nugget offer from the promotion. Barring any unexpected surprises, the veteran action fighter is ready to close the chapter on his tenure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Niko Price fighting at UFC Vegas 122?
Niko Price is fighting Leon Shahbazyan in a welterweight bout on the preliminary card at UFC Vegas 122.
Why did Niko Price announce a second retirement fight?
Price is returning because his initial retirement at UFC Seattle was overshadowed by Michael Chiesa, prompting UFC matchmakers to offer him a proper farewell fight.
What is Niko Price career record in the UFC?
Niko Price enters his final fight with a professional MMA record of 16-11, known for producing violent and entertaining action inside the Octagon.
