Ian Heinisch initially planned to take a temporary hiatus from mixed martial arts, but that break has turned into a full-fledged retirement for the benefit of his overall well-being.
The seven-time Octagon veteran hasn’t fought since July 2021, when he suffered a second-round technical knockout loss to Nassourdine Imavov at UFC on ESPN 27. Citing numerous health issues — including head trauma and concussions — Heinisch announced in 2023 that he was stepping away from the sport. At the time, he insisted that he was “not quitting.” As it turns out, brain injuries would ultimately send Heinisch into an early retirement — but it’s a decision he doesn’t regret.