Gavin Tucker, Newfoundland and Labrador's first UFC fighter, has officially retired after nine years plagued by injuries. The 39-year-old withdrew from a proposed bout against Doo Ho Choi hours after its announcement, as first reported earlier this week.
Following initial reports that he did not sign the bout agreement for UFC Fight Night 273 on April 18 in Winnipeg, Tucker has confirmed his retirement to MMA Junkie via manager Lucas Lutkus of All In Sports Management. The decision stems from a persistent pattern of injuries that limited his activity, with his last fight—a loss to Diego Lopes in August 2023—marking his first since March 2021.
Tucker, who joined the UFC in 2017, ends his career with a professional MMA record of 13-3. Despite the setbacks, he leaves a legacy as a resilient competitor from his home province. Moving forward, he will serve as head coach of Tower 1 Combat Sports Team in New Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, staying connected to the sport outside the cage.
