Niko Price turned back the clock and came out of retirement in dramatic fashion earlier tonight (Sat., Oct. 10, 2026) at UFC Vegas 122 LIVE on Paramount+ from inside Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Nevada, stunning welterweight prospect Leon Shahbazyan with a brutal first-round TKO (punches).
Despite laying his gloves down after a submission loss to Michael Chiesa last May, Price answered Sean Shelby’s call and decided to return to action this weekend in “Sin City.” It seemed like a good opportunity for Price considering
Shahbazyan looked like an amateur fighter in his Octagon debut earlier this year, but “Hybrid” is no spring chicken. He was still going to have to shake the rust off and capture his first victory since a decision win over Alex Morono back in 2024.
As many expected, Price wasted no time closing the gap and forcing Shahbazyan into a dog fight. Price connected on a few solid punches along the cage before gaining top control. He needed to avoid dangerous submission from the bottom, but Price prevailed. This allowed the long-time UFC veteran the opportunity to rain down heavy ground-and-pound and eventually force the finish. Price didn’t commit to retiring again after this victory, but it would be one hell of a way to go out.
Check out the video highlights below:
For more UFC Vegas 122 fight card results, coverage, and highlights click HERE.
