Ahead of his upcoming fight at UFC Seattle on March 28, Michael Chiesa has teased that it may very well be his final one within the Octagon.
On March 28, the premier MMA promotion returns to the Climate Pledge Arena for UFC Seattle, headlined by the previous middleweight champion Israel Adesanya who takes on Bo Nickal.
Also on the cardboard is longtime welterweight contender, Michael Chiesa, who takes on Carlston Harris in his first fight since last June.
‘Maverick’ Chiesa has won all three of his last fights, snapping what was a three-fight losing streak, showcasing that he still has so much to offer in the game.
Despite that, that may very well be the ultimate time the 38-year-old steps into the Octagon as he has teased a possible retirement.
What do you make of the UFC doubling their post-fight bonuses?
Comment your thoughts on the changes and the inclusion of a finish bonus below.
Michael Chiesa admits UFC Seattle may very well be the ‘perfect strategy to exit’
Chiesa has been competing within the premier promotion since 2012 when he earned a contract after winning The Ultimate Fighter.
During that point, ‘Maverick’ Mike got himself into title contention at lightweight before making his move as much as welterweight.
And ahead of his clash at UFC Seattle, despite him having the possibility to attain his fourth win in a row, Chiesa has admitted that it may very well be his final fight in the game, labeling it as ‘an ideal strategy to exit’.
“I mean, 22 is my number, dude. Individuals who don’t know, my hero was my Grandpa Derrelle, my family had a race track, he had a racing team, his number was 22, that’s why I even have 22 tattooed on my chest,” Chiesa told The Ariel Helwani Show ahead of his twenty second fight within the promotion.
“My wedding ring has a diamond 22 on it. 22 is my favorite number so for this to be my twenty second UFC fight, in Seattle, on my parents anniversary, I feel just like the universe is telling me something.
“I wasn’t gonna be this open about it, it’s just hard to not, I don’t know what’s next, I don’t know if that is the last one but whether it is, it’s the proper strategy to exit.
“Fighters either retire too early or retire too late. When have we ever heard of an ideal retirement? I’d somewhat retire early… And I don’t think retiring at 38 is an early retirement, even when I’m doing well.”
Chiesa will proceed working with the UFC
If that is Chiesa’s final outing within the UFC, it won’t be the ultimate time we see the 38-year-old within the promotion at some capability.
Chiesa will likely proceed his broadcast work with the UFC, offering his expert insight during Fight Night’s.
Join the talk; share your insight. Use the comment button on the underside left to have your say