Michael Chiesa Announces Retirement from MMA
UFC welterweight veteran Michael Chiesa has confirmed his intention to retire from mixed martial arts after his fight against Carlston Harris at UFC Fight Night on March 28 in Seattle. Chiesa, who trains in Spokane, made the announcement during an interview. The 38-year-old fighter has not competed since June 2023 and had expressed his desire to return to action in his home state. His last fight in Washington was in 2013, where he suffered a submission loss to Jorge Masvidal, in what was his third appearance in the UFC.Chiesa rose to fame in the UFC as the winner of the reality show “The Ultimate Fighter” in 2012. He established himself as a potential lightweight title contender, but struggled to maintain the 155-pound limit. Throughout his career, he faced some of the most prominent competitors of his generation in two weight classes. Currently, Chiesa is on a streak of three consecutive victories. His opponent, Carlston Harris, also 38 years old, is a veteran who trains in Rio de Janeiro. Harris will seek to break a streak of two consecutive losses.This is my last fight. I’ve been indecisive about it. It’s a difficult decision to make. I had my first fight when I was 20 years old in 2008. I wanted to fight until this contract was over. I signed a new deal before my last fight. I was going to fight until this deal was over, and then, ready… But when they said they were coming back to Seattle, it’s my number 22 fight in the UFC, 22 is my number and March 28th is my parents’ anniversary. It’s like the universe is telling me something.
Michael Chiesa
