Brad Pickett: The True Ultimate Fighter

A final farewell to a fighter who has left it all in the octagon time and time again.

Brad Pickett (MMA Weekly)

On March 18, one of the UFC’s most beloved fighters will hang up his gloves. Brad Pickett has had a long and storied career in the UFC: fighting some of the biggest names and earning many fans each step of the way.

Growing up, I remember always being excited when I saw Pickett scheduled to fight. He has always been a threat in every facet of the sport, scoring seven knockouts and ten submissions throughout his professional career. One Punch forced his opponents to stay alert because if they were to get distracted, all it took was one punch to end the fight.

Pickett started off his professional career in 2004 with a 17 second TKO. He fought under many banners, including the WEC, where he beat current flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson via unanimous decision. When the UFC announced the merger with the WEC, Pickett moved to the biggest stage in the world and shined every time he stepped into the Octagon.

Back in 2011, Brad Pickett made his UFC debut against Renan Barao. Since then, Pickett has been a bantamweight mainstay, always putting on a fun show. Dana White said that Pickett is one of his favorite fighters to watch, and who could blame him.

Brad Pickett has had a very impressive career. He has fought true competitors such as former bantamweight champion Renan Barao, Urijah Faber, and many, many more. There are a lot of impressive names that make up his incredible resume, and even more incredibly, Pickett has only been knocked out twice in 39 career fights. He has constantly competed at the highest level and never has been afraid to throw down with the best of the best.

A true warrior, Pickett will be fighting in his 40th professional fight in two weeks and is going out on his own terms. On March 18, he will be fighting Enrique Briones on his home soil in London in the fight that will conclude his career. One Punch knows how important it is to finish on top and that is exactly what he plans to do in London.

Pickett already has begun to plan for the future. He has acted in movies but knows that his heart lies in MMA. Pickett has expressed interest in coaching and wants to “help younger athletes achieve great things.” Pickett, a longtime member of Great Britain Top Team, could create his own team there, becoming a coach for the next generation of fighters and teaching the next generation how to succeed at the highest level.

When Bruce Buffer introduces Pickett on March 18, he will receive the standing ovation that he deserves as he rides off into the sunset. A fierce competitor with a unique style, One Punch left his mark on the sport in different ways, starting with his entrance, where he wears a string vest, cutoff jeans, and a special trilby hat. While Pickett’s storied career may end March 18, his legacy will live on.

Thank you, Brad Pickett, for a career full of highlight-reel performances and always keeping the UFC fun.