Niko Price Will Face Leon Shahbazyan on October 10
The UFC will host Price for his final retirement fight at the Apex this Friday.
Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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Will Niko Price definitively retire from professional fighting after his match on October 10, 2026?
Niko Price returns to the Octagon at UFC Vegas 122 this October 10 to officially end his professional fighting career. The UFC scheduled the match against Leon Shahbazyan to ensure the veteran receives a proper farewell following his previous unplanned retirement.
Why it matters
Price initial retirement announcement at UFC Seattle was overshadowed by Michael Chiesa, leaving the veteran without a formal sendoff. The organization is providing this opportunity to allow the fighter to close his career on his own terms.
Price enters this final match carrying a 16-11 professional record and is currently on a four-fight losing streak. He has recorded first-round stoppage losses in his two most recent appearances.
The players
Niko Price
A professional fighter with a 16-11 record who is competing in his final match.
Leon Shahbazyan
The professional fighter paired against Niko Price for the upcoming match.
UFC
The mixed martial arts organization scheduling the event at the Apex.
The details
UFC matchmakers approached Price to facilitate this matchup at the Apex after his previous exit lacked closure. Price intends to retire following the bout, though he has indicated he would only consider a return for a significantly lucrative opportunity. Residents should be aware this event is set for October 10, marking his final planned performance in the cage.
Timeline
October 10, 2026, marks the scheduled date for the fight at UFC Vegas 122.
Beyond the Strip
This final bout is scheduled to address the lack of closure following Michael Chiesa's retirement at UFC Seattle, which inadvertently overshadowed Price's original announcement. The match marks a deliberate organizational effort to provide a proper farewell for the veteran athlete.
Fans heading to the Apex for the event on October 10 should monitor local traffic near the venue as the match approaches. If you are watching from home, the fight serves as the final chance to see Price compete unless a major future offer arises.
The takeaway
Fans should keep an eye on the official results this Friday to see if Price successfully concludes his career. Following the October 10 event, the primary metric to follow is any future announcement regarding a potential comeback for high-stakes offers.
Further reading
For more on upcoming bouts in the valley, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Live Poll
Will Niko Price definitively retire from professional fighting after his match on October 10, 2026?
