Kevin Holland: Michael Chiesa should retire and focus on commentary after UFC 291 loss

SALT LAKE CITY – Kevin Holland feels Michael Chiesa needs to reconsider his stance towards his fighting career.

On Saturday night, Holland (25-9 MMA, 12-6 UFC) welcomed Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) back to competition in the opening bout of the UFC 291 pay-per-view main card. It was a quick night for Holland, as he submitted Chiesa in the first round with little opposition.

Afterward, Holland went up to Chiesa, who also works as an ESPN analyst, in the octagon and advised him to retire from MMA.

“I told him he just needs to quit fighting and start focusing on commentating,” Holland told reporters at the UFC 291 post-fight press conference. “He said he’s not going to retire. I mean, it’s his decision, but I think he should focus on commentating. I think he’s one of the better commentators.”

UFC 291 marked Chiesa’s first fight in almost two years. He had last fought in November 2021 when he lost a decision to Sean Brady. The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner had been out due to a back injury.

Holland feels Chiesa, who’s now on a three-fight losing streak, has been left behind by the fight game.

“The game has circled past him and seriously left him,” Holland said. “I see him talking about (a title). Guys, you have to be realistic. People always talk: ‘I want to get a title. I want to get a title.’ Let’s be real. Some of you guys in the UFC are never going to get a f*cking title. Buy some jewelry like me. Retire. Commentate. Focus on your family. You’re never going to get a title.

“If that’s what you were here for, it’s not going to happen. You’re already collecting a check by not getting hurt, so just stop. You’re a really good commentator. There’s no reason to take brain damage. The next guy might be more dangerous than me, and he might not go for the submission. He might just keep pounding your head in. Stop while you can.”

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 291.