Michael Chiesa’s homecoming has finally arrived. After years of competing across the country, the veteran welterweight will step into the Octagon for what guarantees to be an emotional return to the Pacific Northwest when he faces Carlston Harris at UFC Seattle on March 28 at Climate Pledge Arena. For the Spokane Valley native, this moment represents greater than just one other fight on the schedule—it is a probability to cement his resurgence in front of a supportive home crowd.
Michael Chiesa will fight Carlston Harris at #UFCSeattle on March twenty eighth. #UFC #MMA #UFCParamount #UFConParamount #UFC2026 pic.twitter.com/4AHg5h2qKk
— Marcel Dorff 🇳🇱🇮🇩 (@BigMarcel24) January 17, 2026
Chiesa enters this matchup riding a three-fight winning streak that has revitalized his profession. The 38-year-old “Maverick” secured a unanimous decision victory over Court McGee at UFC Atlanta just months ago, continuing a powerful run that features stoppage wins against Tony Ferguson and Max Griffin. This momentum is crucial as Chiesa looks to prove he stays a viable contender within the welterweight division, not only a respected analyst on the commentary booth.
A submission win for Michael Chiesa on his birthday 🥳#UFC310 | LIVE NOW | ESPN+ 🍿 https://t.co/XX1YuUOYuv pic.twitter.com/X8VW0lqhfH
— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) December 8, 2024
Harris, conversely, faces significant pressure to interrupt a troubling two-fight losing streak. The Guyanese welterweight’s recent performances have been disappointing, suffering knockout losses to each Khaos Williams and Santiago Ponzinibbio. At 38 years old, Harris finds himself at a profession crossroads. While he boasts notable early UFC victories against Impa Kasanganay and Jeremiah Wells, his recent form suggests he’s struggling to maintain pace with the division’s elite. This bout represents a critical juncture—a possible springboard back to respectability or one other step toward retirement.
The narrative surrounding this fight is compelling from each angles. Chiesa’s three-fight winning streak showcases a legitimate rediscovery of form, whereas Harris desperately needs a signature victory to salvage his momentum. The last time Chiesa competed in Seattle, he was submitted by Jorge Masvidal, adding one other layer to his desire for redemption in his home state.
From an analytical perspective, Chiesa’s superior recent form and home-state advantage position him favorably. Nevertheless, don’t overlook Harris’s ability to land devastating strikes and sneaky submissions—his knockout power and submission game remain a legitimate threat that would derail Chiesa’s homecoming narrative in a single decisive moment.