Michael Chiesa Says a Seat Swap Cost Him a 2018 Title Shot Before Final UFC Fight

Michael Chiesa heads into his final UFC fight with one big regret from earlier in his career. The veteran says a simple seat swap in 2018 cost him a late shot at the lightweight title.

Final Fight and Homecoming

Chiesa will close his UFC career at UFC Seattle. The fight takes place at Climate Pledge Arena, where he will meet Niko Price in what Chiesa has called his retirement bout. The Washington native gets to finish his time in the octagon in front of a hometown crowd.

Chiesa has a professional record of 19-7. This fight ends more than a decade of fighting in the UFC, where he first became known during his time on The Ultimate Fighter.

Regret from UFC 223

Chiesa’s regret reaches back to the chaotic UFC 223 fight week in April 2018. He was scheduled to fight Anthony Pettis on that card. When the lightweight title picture suddenly shifted, Chiesa says he had a chance to face Khabib Nurmagomedov on short notice.

Chiesa says the offer depended on who was sitting in a specific front seat. He swapped seats with Calvin Kattar before the bus left, and that small decision, he says, cost him the title shot. “If there’s one thing I could change, I wish that I would have given Calvin Kattar that front seat because I would have fought Khabib and that’s literally what it boiled down to,” he said. He also described being a few pounds over while cutting down to 155 and taking the window seat.

After the shuffle, the UFC booked Al Iaquinta to face Khabib. Iaquinta lost by unanimous decision. Nurmagomedov went on to defend the lightweight title several times before retiring undefeated.

Opponent Change and Card Notes

Chiesa’s planned opponent for UFC Seattle withdrew due to visa issues. Niko Price stepped in as the replacement, confirmed about eight days after the original fighter pulled out. That move kept Chiesa’s retirement fight on the card and allowed him to fight in Seattle.

The event also features fellow UFC lightweight Terrance McKinney. Chiesa said he waited for the UFC to make the official announcement before talking about the matchup because of past bad luck with cards in Seattle.

Career Overview and Legacy

Over a long career, Chiesa has been a steady presence in the welterweight and lightweight divisions. His run includes notable fights and a steady record of wins and losses that add up to 19-7. He finishes his UFC run with this hometown fight, leaving the sport on his own terms.