Gian Villante’s fight this weekend at UFC 268 is set to be his last in MMA. The 36-year-old MMA veteran announced recently that he intends for his November 6th bout against Chris Barnett to be his final appearance in the sport.
Villante is set to meet Chris Barnett on the prelims this weekend at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, USA.
“[I’m] proud of myself, proud I lasted that long, but it takes a toll […] I’ve enjoyed the ride but I’m done now,” Villante told Newsday.
The fight this weekend is set to be Villante’s 18th UFC appearance. He first joined the promotion in 2013 after fighting in Strikeforce and regional New Jersey-based promotion Ring of Combat.
Villante has put together a UFC record of seven wins and 10 losses since entering the promotion eight years ago. He has previously fought on three other UFC cards in his home state of New York, but Saturday will be his first time competing in the prestigious Madison Square Garden.
Villante noted in his interview with Newsday that he considered retiring before, but decided to fight again once he learned the promotion would be heading back to New York for UFC 268.
In what is expected to be his final MMA appearance, Villante will attempt to snap a three-fight losing streak. His last bout was in December, where Jake Collier defeated him via unanimous decision.
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