Michael Chiesa Retires with Hometown Victory in UFC Seattle

The 38-year-old submission specialist secures a quick rear-naked choke win over Niko Price in his final fight.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:50am

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In the main event of UFC Seattle, veteran fighter Michael Chiesa defeated Niko Price via first-round rear-naked choke submission in what was the final fight of both men's UFC careers. Chiesa, a native of Washington state, was able to quickly take the fight to the ground and secure the finishing hold, retiring on a high note in front of his hometown crowd at Climate Pledge Arena.

Why it matters

Chiesa's retirement marks the end of an era, as the former Ultimate Fighter winner and top-ranked welterweight and lightweight contender hangs up his gloves after a successful 15-fight UFC run. His victory over the always-exciting Niko Price provides a storybook ending to Chiesa's career, allowing him to walk away on his own terms as a fan favorite.

The details

After Price surprisingly initiated the grappling early, Chiesa was able to quickly take top position and lock in the rear-naked choke for the submission win just under a minute into the fight. This was Chiesa's 15th victory in the UFC, including wins over notable names like Rafael dos Anjos, Beneil Dariush, and Carlos Condit.

  • The fight took place on March 28, 2026 at UFC Seattle.
  • Chiesa announced his retirement prior to the fight, stating this would be his final bout in the Octagon.

The players

Michael Chiesa

A 38-year-old veteran fighter who competed in the UFC's welterweight and lightweight divisions, winning The Ultimate Fighter reality show in 2012. Chiesa retires with a 15-7 promotional record and multiple top-10 rankings.

Niko Price

A 32-year-old welterweight fighter known as 'The Hybrid' for his exciting, all-action fighting style. Price finishes his UFC career with a 9-8 record.

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What they’re saying

“This was a real storybook moment for Chiesa, who retires on a win in front of his hometown crowd. The former Ultimate Fighter champion can walk out with his head held high, as he outperformed expectations over the years.”

— Andrew Richardson, Author

The takeaway

Michael Chiesa's retirement fight provided a fitting conclusion to his successful UFC career, as the Washington native secured a quick submission win over Niko Price in front of his hometown fans. Chiesa's ability to reach the top levels of two weight classes and his status as a fan favorite make him one of the more accomplished and respected fighters to hang up his gloves in recent years.