Michael Chiesa may have suffered his third consecutive loss over the weekend at UFC 291 but the welterweight grappler is not ready to call it quits just yet.
Michael Chiesa may have suffered his third consecutive loss over the weekend at UFC 291 but the welterweight grappler is not ready to call it quits just yet. Following a first-round submission defeat to Kevin Holland in the main card opener. Chiesa has ruled out any talk of retirement declaring that he still has more to prove in his MMA career.
Chiesa’s recent loss to Holland in Salt Lake City brought his professional record to 18-7. It was a tough night for the fighter, who faced a dominant performance from the surging Holland. The fight ended with Chiesa succumbing to a D’Arce choke submission. Marking the third time in his career that he has been submitted with that technique.
Before facing Holland, Chiesa had been on the sidelines since November 2021 recovering from a grueling back injury that required surgery. His last fight prior to that was a unanimous decision loss to Sean Brady at the UFC Apex facility. Chiesa’s prior defeat came at UFC 265 when he was submitted by Vicente Luque in another D’Arce choke loss.
Given his recent setbacks, some fans and pundits had speculated that Chiesa might consider retirement from active competition. However, the 33-year-old fighter has made it clear that he is not ready to hang up his gloves just yet.
Chiesa addressed the retirement talk and the criticism he faced after his loss to Holland. He acknowledged that some MMA fans have been urging him to retire and pursue a career as a broadcaster. Despite the external pressures, Chiesa remains determined to continue his MMA journey.
“MMA fans are coming at me from all different directions, saying I should retire and I should be done, be a broadcaster now,” Chiesa shared. “There are just so many things that people are saying, but it’s just gonna sweeten the pot because I’m not done. I just didn’t show up on fight night.”
The Washington native made it clear that he understands the importance of knowing when to walk away from the sport. While he is committed to proving himself. He is also mindful of not overstaying his welcome. Chiesa remains resolute in his desire to continue competing and has set his sights on future challenges in the octagon.
“Trust me, I’m not gonna be the guy to overstay my welcome,” Chiesa asserted. “But I’m just not done yet. I have more to prove to myself.”
For more UFC news and updates
Read: UFC 291: Preview, Prediction, Fight Card, Where to Watch, Venue, and Tickets
Read: UFC 291 results: Justin Gaethje claims BMF title with stunning knockout victory Over Dustin Poirier
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