Julian Erosa to Retire After UFC Vegas 123 Bout
The veteran fighter will conclude his professional MMA career at the Las Vegas event on October 31, 2026.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Julian Erosa is set to compete in his final professional mixed martial arts bout on October 31, 2026, at UFC Vegas 123 in Las Vegas. Erosa will face JeongYeong Lee in his retirement fight.
Why it matters
Erosa stated that he is stepping away from the sport to prioritize time with his family and preserve his long-term health. By scheduling this final appearance, he intends to prevent himself from seeking future bouts regardless of the outcome.
Erosa currently holds a 31-14 career MMA record and a 9-9 standing within the UFC. He has earned three post-fight bonuses since returning to the promotion in 2020.
The players
Julian Erosa
A 37-year-old professional mixed martial artist with a 31-14 career record.
JeongYeong Lee
An active professional fighter scheduled to compete against Julian Erosa in his retirement bout.
The details
The 37-year-old fighter first debuted in the UFC at the TUF 22 Finale and has navigated multiple stints with the organization. His decision to retire is a definitive choice designed to end his run after the upcoming matchup.
Timeline
December 2015: Erosa made his UFC debut at the TUF 22 Finale.
March 2016: Erosa lost at UFC 196 and was released from the organization.
2018: Erosa earned a new UFC contract via the Contender Series.
2020: Erosa returned to the UFC roster.
October 31, 2026: Erosa fights his final retirement bout at UFC Vegas 123.
Season Trajectory
Erosa's retirement marks the end of an era for a fighter who utilized the Contender Series to secure a second tenure in the sport's highest tier. His exit shifts the landscape for the featherweight division as the roster continues to evolve with new talent.
Fans and analysts should note that this is a confirmed final appearance, removing any uncertainty regarding Erosa's future availability for card scheduling. His departure concludes a tenure that included three post-fight bonuses earned since his 2020 return.
The takeaway
Retiring while in good health is a strategic goal for many veteran athletes aiming for longevity after their sports careers conclude. Erosa serves as an example for fighters setting rigid boundaries to ensure a clean exit from the promotion.
Further reading
For more on upcoming bouts in the octagon, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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