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Michael Chiesa Retires After 63-Second Submission at UFC Seattle

The UFC’s on-air tribute for him prompted criticism after Niko Price received no interview.

Overview

  • Chiesa, who fought Saturday in Seattle, choked Niko Price in 63 seconds for a first-round win and then announced his retirement.
  • Price also said he was retiring, yet he did not get an in-cage interview or video tribute as Daniel Cormier said a second farewell felt awkward to follow.
  • At the post-fight press conference, Chiesa said the decision is permanent and noted plans to keep working on UFC broadcasts.
  • Former rival Kevin Lee posted on X that the promotion showed favoritism in Chiesa’s sendoff compared with how his own exit was handled.
  • Chiesa, a The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner who later thrived at welterweight, leaves with a reported 15-7 UFC record, while action-fighter Price ends a 21-fight UFC run in a rare double retirement that can strain broadcast timing.