21-Fight UFC Veteran Michael Chiesa Set to Retire After UFC Seattle Fight

Chiesa will look to end his career on a four-fight win streak against Carlston Harris.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Longtime UFC veteran and former The Ultimate Fighter winner Michael Chiesa has confirmed that his next fight at UFC Seattle on March 28 will be his last trip to the Octagon. The 38-year-old Chiesa, who has competed in 21 UFC fights, is riding a three-fight winning streak and will look to end his career on a high note against Carlston Harris.

Why it matters

Chiesa's retirement marks the end of an era for the longtime UFC welterweight, who has been a fixture in the promotion since winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2012. His decision to retire in his hometown of Seattle adds an emotional element to his final fight.

The details

Chiesa revealed his retirement plans on the Anik & Florian Podcast, stating that the timing and location of the UFC Seattle event felt like a sign that it was the right time to walk away. He'll enter the fight against Harris looking to extend his current three-fight winning streak, which is one shy of the best run of his UFC career.

  • Michael Chiesa will compete in his 22nd and final UFC fight at UFC Seattle on March 28, 2026.
  • Chiesa first began fighting professionally in 2008 at the age of 20.

The players

Michael Chiesa

A 38-year-old UFC veteran who has competed in 21 fights in the promotion, including winning The Ultimate Fighter in 2012. He is currently riding a three-fight winning streak and will look to end his career on a high note.

Carlston Harris

Chiesa's opponent at UFC Seattle, who is looking to spoil Chiesa's retirement fight. Harris is 4-3 in the UFC since joining the promotion in 2021.

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What they’re saying

“Yeah, this is my last fight. I've been kind of on the fence about it. It's hard...It's a hard decision to make, because it's what I've done. I had my first fight when I was 20 years old in 2008. All good things come to an end. I wanted to fight out this contract – I just signed a new deal before the Court McGee fight – and that was my plan...But, when they said they were going back to Seattle, and it's my 22nd UFC fight. 22 is my number, March 28 is on my parents' anniversary - it's like the universe is telling me something.”

— Michael Chiesa (Anik & Florian Podcast)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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