Fans are urging the long-time welterweight fighter to consider retirement after suffering another harsh defeat at tonight’s Meta Apex event.
Nico Price, who has entertained fight fans throughout nearly a decade in the Octagon, entered UFC Vegas 113 already coming off a tough loss—a particularly severe stoppage against Nikolai Veretennikov. Currently, Price’s recent record stands at a disappointing 1 win and 5 losses, with three of those defeats ending by knockout. His last victory came in 2024 over Alex Morono, which itself snapped a three-year winless streak.
It took six fights during the first Paramount-era Apex event to find a knockout, and it happened quickly once Veretennikov and Price faced off. The two welterweights exchanged strikes early, but Veretennikov landed a devastating overhand punch about a minute and a half into the bout that sealed the outcome. Price was rendered unconscious after absorbing a knee and elbow strike, and though he somehow remained standing through an additional barrage of clean shots, the referee stepped in to halt the fight.
The reaction on social media was one of concern and sympathy rather than anger. Many fans voiced worries about Price’s wellbeing and pointed to his string of recent losses, pleading with the veteran to retire. Supporters expressed their sadness over the brutal nature of the defeat and noted that continuing at this level could be harmful.
“This has to be the end for Nico Price,” one fan commented on X. “I say that as a huge admirer of his,” added another, “you can’t help but feel for him after such a harsh knockout.” Others questioned the quality of his opponent but still echoed the call for Price to step away from competition for his own safety.
Fan Take: Nico Price’s latest knockout loss shines a spotlight on the physical toll MMA takes on fighters as their careers progress, underscoring the importance of knowing when to retire. This moment could prompt the sport to place greater emphasis on fighter health and longevity, influencing how careers are managed moving forward.
