A double-retirement bout at UFC Seattle saw both Michael Chiesa and Niko Price call it a career on Saturday night.
Chiesa, the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 15 in 2012, flirted with title contention throughout his career but often struggled with the weight cut to lightweight. After moving up to welterweight, Chiesa put together a four-fight win streak before falling into a three-fight skid, effectively ending his hopes of a title shot.
Still, “Maverick” was determined to finish his career strong, entering Saturday on another three-fight win streak against Price, who had also served as Robbie Lawler’s final opponent. Price, too, was making his farewell walk after a decade in the UFC, and at 1-5 in his last six, it was clear his best days were behind him.
The two longtime UFC veterans acknowledged one another as the opening round began, with Price applying the pressure early and quickly closing the distance on Chiesa.
You could have blinked and missed the finish from the 38-year-old, as Chiesa made quick work of Niko Price. In one smooth motion, he scooped Price up from his backside, dragged him to the mat, and took his back. Once Chiesa got to his signature position, it took only seconds for Price to tap to the suffocating rear-naked choke.
Embracing his family in the crowd and delivering what may have been one of the greatest retirement speeches in UFC history, Michael “Maverick” Chiesa scored one final finish by knocking out the heartstrings of MMA fans around the globe.
Chiesa rides off into the sunset on a high note, securing the 15th win of his UFC career as the Washington native laid down his gloves in front of an emotional home crowd.
Official Result: Michael Chiesa def. Niko Price by submission (rear-naked choke), Round 1, 1:03
