Niko Price says he missed his moment after a 63-second submission loss to Michael Chiesa at UFC Fight Night 271. Price also confirmed he is retiring from the Octagon after a nine-year run.
The finish and the post-fight scene
Price lost to Michael Chiesa by submission in 63 seconds at UFC Fight Night 271 on Saturday night. After the fight, the broadcast gave Chiesa a long retirement interview and a highlights package.
Price said he expected some mic time too, but he was left out. “I had to stand there and watch his whole thing, and they’re like, ‘Yeah, you’re going to get mic time.’ I’m like, ‘Alright, cool.’ Then I’m like, ‘Why am I not getting mic time?'”, Price told UFCcoverage. He added that staff collected his gloves and even took a photo of Chiesa holding them. Price said he wanted that photo with his gloves and felt overlooked.
Why he decided to retire
Price, 36, said the decision to retire was discussed with his wife in the weeks before the fight. The idea came up about 10 days before the event. After talking with his wife and his team, Price decided it was time to stop. He said his wife told him the fight life was getting hard on their daughters, and Price said he wants to spend more time with his family.
Price also noted the last fight was taken on short notice. “Even though it was on seven days’ notice, still, losing sucks,” he said.
Career at a glance
Price spent nine years fighting in the UFC and competed 21 times in the Octagon. He built a reputation as an all-action fighter who went for the finish. In his UFC career he beat Alan Jouban, Randy Brown, Tim Means, James Vick and Alex Oliveira twice. He also had a draw with Donald Cerrone.
| Fighter | Recent Result |
|---|---|
| Michael Chiesa | Win by submission (63 seconds) |
| Niko Price | Loss by submission (63 seconds); announced retirement |
Price’s form had dipped in recent years. He lost six of his last seven bouts before deciding to hang up his gloves.
Plans after fighting
Price said he will focus on life outside the cage. He plans to grow a fishing business that already has a “bait mobile” serving Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Naples. He also plans to work with family businesses and continue coaching MMA.
He told UFCcoverage he will teach the skills he used in his career and help the next generation of fighters while spending more time with his family.
