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UFC Fighter Niko Price Upset Over Retirement Snub
Price says he was denied a proper sendoff after his final fight at UFC Seattle.
Apr. 1, 2026 at 11:34am
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UFC fighter Niko Price expressed disappointment over how his retirement was handled at UFC Seattle, where he lost to Michael Chiesa in the final fight of his career. Price said he was expecting to get mic time to address the crowd but was instead ushered out of the cage without a proper sendoff, even missing out on taking a photo with his gloves. Despite the awkward ending, Price reflected positively on his fighting career, which included wins in other organizations, providing for his family, and still being able to speak coherently after years of head trauma from combat sports.
Why it matters
Fighters' retirement moments are important ceremonial events that allow them to properly say goodbye to fans and the sport. Price's experience highlights how even veteran UFC fighters can sometimes be denied that opportunity, which can leave a sour note on an otherwise celebrated career.
The details
At UFC Seattle, Niko Price was set to retire win or lose against Michael Chiesa, who was also retiring in his fight that night. After Chiesa submitted Price in 90 seconds, the production crew immediately shifted focus to an emotional retirement video package for Chiesa, leaving Price without a chance to address the crowd or take a photo with his gloves as he had expected.
- On April 1, 2026, Niko Price fought his final UFC fight against Michael Chiesa in Seattle, Washington.
- After the fight, Price was denied the opportunity to have a retirement moment on the mic.
The players
Niko Price
A UFC fighter who retired after his fight against Michael Chiesa at UFC Seattle, but was denied a proper sendoff by the production crew.
Michael Chiesa
A UFC fighter who also retired after his fight against Niko Price at UFC Seattle, and was given an emotional retirement video package.
What they’re saying
“I talked to Mike in the back, we were all cool and everything. Even though I had to stand there and watch his whole thing and they're like, 'Yeah, you're going to get mic time.' I'm like, 'Alright, cool.' Then I'm like, 'Why am I not getting mic time?' Then, I was like, 'Whatever, don't worry. But can I leave? I don't want to stay here no more.' Then I told my coach because they didn't even send off me off at all. They went to my gloves, and then they took a picture of him with my gloves. I was like, 'Nooo, I wanted to do that picture with my gloves.' He has his gloves on in the picture.”
— Niko Price, UFC Fighter
What’s next
Price has not indicated any plans for a future career after his UFC retirement, but he expressed gratitude for being able to compete in combat sports while still maintaining his health and mental faculties.
The takeaway
Niko Price's retirement experience at UFC Seattle highlights the importance of properly honoring fighters' careers, even those who may not be the biggest stars. Retirement moments are meaningful ceremonial events, and the UFC should ensure all fighters are given the opportunity for a proper sendoff, win or lose.
