“All Hail” has called it a career.
Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Bantamweight Hailey Cowan suffered a first-round technical knockout loss to newcomer Nina Milosevic on the UFC Belgrade “Prelims” this past weekend (Sat., Aug. 1, 2026) inside Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia (watch highlights).
Following the loss, in which Cowan was put down with a body shot, the former gymnast announced her retirement from mixed martial arts.
“This little gymnast from Waco, TX decided she would become an MMA
fighter at 23 years old. I’m proud of what I was able to do. And I’m excited for whatever is next!” Cowan wrote. “Over the past few months, I’ve known I was getting close to the finish line. This obviously isn’t how I wanted to end this beautiful ride, but I’m healthy, happy and full of gratitude. I am forever thankful to the @ufc for the opportunity. It wasn’t the UFC career I dreamed of, but life threw me some bombs and I always overcame.” “How incredible is it to serve a God who shows up, and fills our hearts with joy in moments we should be down and out? Praise Jesus for this life. Praise Him for this journey. And praise Him for whatever is next!” “Over and out!”
Cowan (7-6) originally earned her UFC contract on season six of Contender Series after defeating Claudia Leite by split decision. While it was not exactly a blow-away performance, UFC CEO Dana White still decided to give her a shot.
“I can’t put my finger on it, but sometimes people just have that ‘it’ thing, and Hailey has that ‘it,’” White said at the time. “I liked her.”
Unfortunately, Cowan never found her stride inside the Octagon.
On top of dealing with five canceled UFC fights, Cowan went 0-4 in the promotion. She lost her UFC debut by unanimous decision, then was finished in her final three appearances, including back-to-back knockout losses to close out her career.
It was not the UFC run Cowan dreamed of when she signed with the promotion.
But she made it to the biggest stage in the sport, fought four times inside the Octagon and now walks away healthy, grateful and ready for whatever comes next.
For complete UFC Belgrade results, coverage and highlights click HERE.
