UFC fighter details decision to come out of unexpected retirement

In 2021, promising UFC flyweight prospect Jimmy Flick announced his retirement from mixed martial arts. The decision puzzled MMA fans since he had just made it into the UFC and was on a dominant four-fight win streak when he hung up his gloves.

However, it seems that MMA is not yet done with the 32-year-old American. Last year, the Oklahoma native revealed that he was returning to active competition. Flick is scheduled to face Charles Johnson on his octagon return at UFC Vegas 67 next weekend.

In a recent interview with LowKick MMA, 'The Brick' revealed the circumstances that led him to take a U-turn on his unexpected retirement.

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The fighter explained that his decision to retire was fueled by his desire to spend more time with his family. Now, since he and his wife have separated, MMA has become a way for him to pick himself back up:

"Well, long story short man, I quit for that family life. I was going to work 9 to 5, [it] was what my partner at the time wanted to do... That's what it was for a year and a half and things changed man... We kind of split ways and when we split ways I just wasn’t in the right place mentally, physically, or emotionally. And my coach got me back in the gym. One of my biggest sponsors, Harvest Health, picked me up and was helping me out and got me back in the gym and really motivated me."

Watch Jimmy Flick explain why he decided to make an MMA comeback below:

Flick added that he also checked with his daughters about his decision to make an MMA comeback and they were excited about it.

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UFC fighter Jimmy Flick says that he is the best "jiu-jitsu black belt" in the flyweight division

During the same interview, Jimmy Flick claimed that he's going to get a finish over Charles Johnson in his comeback bout on January 14. Interestingly, 14 of his 16 wins have come via submission.

The 32-year-old added that he's a true jiu-jitsu specialist and the best black belt in the 125-pound division:

"14 of my 16 wins are by submission... I always push for a finish. I don't care if I knock him out, I don't care if I submit him. Obviously, if you're betting me, you're thinking submission. I'm a submission specialist, I love jiu-jitsu. I'm the best black belt in UFC at 125 [pounds]. I'm ready to prove it."

Jimmy Flick is currently 16-5 as a professional mixed martial artist. He is a Dana White's Contender Series alumnus and holds one win inside the octagon.