Gavin Tucker reportedly retires despite UFC announcing April 18 featherweight fight with Doo Ho Choi

The UFC’s recent announcement about a fight between Gavin Tucker and Doo Ho Choi has created confusion. The promotion confirmed the featherweight bout for April 18 at UFC Winnipeg. However, fresh reports suggest that the fight will not happen after all. According to multiple sources, Tucker has already decided to retire from mixed martial arts. This development has raised questions about how the matchup was announced in the first place.

The news surprised many fans because the UFC had listed the fight as official just minutes before reports of Tucker’s retirement surfaced. Journalist Marcel Dorff claimed that Tucker never signed the bout agreement. Another source, RealKevinK, stated that Tucker personally confirmed his decision to step away from the sport. If true, this means the fight announcement was made despite the veteran already ending his career.

Gavin Tucker bids adieu to MMA despite UFC announcing his next bout

Reports revealed that the scheduled featherweight clash between Gavin Tucker and Doo Ho Choi will not take place on April 18. The UFC had recently promoted several fights for its return to Canada, including this matchup. But according to journalist Marcel Dorff, the Canadian fighter had already retired when the fight was announced.

Dorff explained that even though the bout was publicized shortly before his update, Tucker had not signed any contract to make it official. He also stated that the fight would not move forward because the athlete had stepped away from competition.

RealKevinK later shared that he had spoken directly with Tucker. The fighter reportedly confirmed that he is ending his career due to the physical damage he has suffered over the years.

Tucker competed in the featherweight division and held a 4-3 record inside the Octagon. His last appearance came in August 2023, when he suffered a submission defeat to Diego Lopes. Since then, he has not fought.

UFC Winnipeg is set for April 18 at the Canada Life Center. The event is headlined by a welterweight contest between Gilbert Burns and Mike Malott.

While announcing a fight involving a retired athlete is unusual, promoting bouts before contracts are signed has happened before. Renato Moicano recently revealed that he has not yet signed for his April 4 main event against Chris Duncan, even though it was already announced. In a past case, Dustin Poirier initially denied that his bout with Benoit Saint-Denis was confirmed before it eventually took place.





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