UFC veteran Dan Argueta, a bantamweight competitor who stepped into the octagon six times under the promotion`s banner, has declared his retirement from the sport of mixed martial arts at the age of 31. He made the announcement this past Tuesday, confirming his decision was finalized after his recent release from the Ultimate Fighting Championship.
Sharing his news on social media, Argueta explained that he felt it was time to conclude his fighting journey upon learning that the UFC would not be giving him the opportunity to complete the final bout on his existing contract. He reflected positively on his career, stating that fighting was a profoundly life-saving experience that helped shape him into a better man, led him to find his future wife, and instilled in him a strong belief in his own capabilities. He expressed a sense of peace, knowing he always gave his absolute best every time he competed.
Argueta initially joined the UFC roster in 2022. After losing his promotional debut, he secured his first and only official victory within the organization in his subsequent fight. His time thereafter included two bouts that were ultimately ruled as no contests (one following an opponent`s positive drug test) and two consecutive losses, which marked his final appearances in the cage for the UFC.
In a message addressed to the demanding world of fighting, Argueta described it as one of the toughest jobs imaginable, acknowledging its harsh nature (“a cruel son of a b*tch”) while simultaneously expressing an enduring love for the experience they shared. He made it clear that this retirement is permanent, emphasizing that he is now looking forward to pursuing new opportunities outside of competition.
Argueta concludes his professional MMA career with an official record of 9 wins and 3 losses, along with two no contests. He first turned professional in 2017.
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