Jalin Turner reveals how divine intervention ended his MMA retirement, new mindset in UFC return

Jalin Turner has credited divine intervention for encouraging him to end his MMA retirement.

Additionally, "The Tarantula" highlighted his evolved approach to the sport of MMA and his career in the UFC organization. 

Jalin Turner unravels how his conversation with God made him unretire from MMA; aims to spread spiritual message, and talks new UFC deal

Jalin Turner laid his gloves on the canvas inside the Octagon after being submitted by Ignacio Bahamondes at UFC 313 back in March of 2025. It was later confirmed that he did retire from MMA, as he himself has acknowledged. Nevertheless, Turner unretired and made his comeback with a first-round TKO victory against the legendary Edson Barboza at UFC 323 last December. 

Turner's next, and most recent, fight witnessed him spectacularly defeat Kaue Fernandes via KO just 39 seconds into the very first round of their lightweight showdown at UFC 330 on August 15. 

During a subsequent conversation with Ariel Helwani on The Ariel Helwani Show, Turner -- around the 3:40-minute mark of the video displayed below -- noted that the Barboza matchup marked the end of his UFC deal. 

The Californian combatant explained that he signed a new five-fight contract with the UFC, with the Fernandes fight being its first. Turner, with four more fights to go on the deal, is seeking impressive wins and a shot at the UFC lightweight championship. 

Moreover, the UFC lightweight staple notably expounded upon how divine intervention motivated him to return to MMA and the UFC. Turner, known to be a devout Christian, pointed out that he traveled with his pastor, a first for him, to his UFC 330 fight in Philadelphia. Regarding his retirement and return, he stated: 

"I honestly look at it as I really had to lay it all down and sacrifice everything. I gave it up. I did not have any intention to come back. I truly, sincerely mean that with my whole heart. And, you know, when I was in prayer, fasting, and, you know, God spoke to me and told me He wants me to be in this avenue, to be in this area to shine light."

Turner alluded to his new mindset being one wherein he's also focused on utilizing the platform he has as an athlete to vocalize his beliefs and spread the word of God. 

He noted, "I said, 'Okay. God, I'm going to do this out of obedience for you, unto you.' And he showed me a newfound love and drive for it." 

Having debuted as a pro mixed martial artist in 2016, Turner has primarily competed in the lightweight division, in addition to having fought at welterweight and in a few catchweight matches as well. He's been in the UFC since 2018 and boasts victories over dangerous fighters such as Uros Medic and King Green (formerly known as Bobby Green). 

Alluding to his time as an active competitor as well as a retired athlete, the latter being a brief experience, Turner underscored that he understands the perils of a retired fighter's life. He, as such, spoke about aiming to spread his message of spirituality, connection with a higher power, and positivity to help current and retired UFC fighters. 

Watch Jalin Turner discuss his spiritual awakening, Christian faith, its influence on his career as a combat sportsperson, and more below (*comments at the 5:39-minute mark of the video): 

Jalin Turner and his pastor, Gabriel Villalobos, appeared on UFC 330 programming

In episode No. 2 of the UFC 330 Embedded: Vlog Series last week, Jalin Turner and his pastor, Gabriel Villalobos, were featured onscreen. They spoke about their beliefs and how Jesus Christ guides them through life. 

The UFC programming showcased the duo at The Way World Outreach Church in Riverside, California. Turner expressed his respect for Pastor Villalobos for his guidance, stating: 

"That's my spiritual mentor. And I just really look up to him. He's shown me the way that I want to be, and the way that I can receive the love of Christ, and also distribute the love of Christ." 

Turner indicated that it's helped him in his personal and professional lives, benefitting his fighting career. The 31-year-old asserted that the honor, love, and respect he has for God is why he's fighting. 

Watch Jalin Turner and Pastor Gabriel Villalobos speak about his spiritual pursuits below (*comments at the 4:09-minute mark of the video):