Michael Chiesa clear about UFC Seattle being perfect time to retire

Michael Chiesa will call it a career while potentially on a four-fight winning streak. Chiesa (19-7 MMA, 14-7 UFC) meets Niko Price (16-10 MMA, 8-10 UFC) on Saturday's UFC Fight Night 271 ( Paramount+ ) main card at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle. The Season 15 "Ultimate Fighter" winner will have his retirement fight at home after a failed attempt last year when he couldn't find an opponent for UFC Fight Night 252.

Although he's been performing well, Chiesa said getting a second opportunity to close this chapter at home is a blessing. "Last year when we were in talks to fight on the Seattle card, I think that was February 23, kind of my plan was I wanted to – obviously after the Max Griffin fight, I knew I was up for a new contract, and I talked to my manager, talked to my wife, talked to my family and said, 'Hey, I think this will be the last contract. ' At that time I was 37, I'm thinking having to juggle broadcasting and fighting, you don't fight as frequently as you normally do.

At least I don't because I've got to really clear a path for competition. But then, when we were talking about fighting in Seattle last year, it was like, 'Man, should this be the last one? What fight is going to be bigger than me getting one more chance to fight at home?

' "This is the reality of the situation: How hard is it going to be for me to get back to the rankings, to get to a title fight? I don't even have enough time in front of me to be able to achieve that. Could I?