Kevin Holland Calls for Michael Chiesa to Retire after UFC 291 Win
SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – After picking up an impressive win over Michael Chiesa at UFC 291, Kevin Holland believes it’s time for Chiesa to call it a career. The fight took place on Saturday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City, Utah, where Holland submitted Chiesa with a D’Arce choke, earning him his seventh Performance of the Night award.
Following the fight, Chiesa removed his gloves in the cage, leading many to speculate that he might retire. However, Chiesa took to Instagram to clarify that he is not retiring, although he admitted that the loss was disappointing.
In his post-fight message, Chiesa wrote, “Well, that sucked. Congrats to [Holland] and his team. Kevin is a helluva fighter, one of the most game fighters in combat sports. I knew this was a very challenging opponent to face coming off almost a two-year layoff, but I’ve never said no to a fight. I’ll dust myself off, get back in the gym and get back to work. I ain’t done yet.”
While Chiesa plans to continue his career, Holland expressed his opinion that Chiesa should retire. During his post-fight interview, Holland told reporters, “Yeah, you know, it’s like the game has circled and passed him and seriously left him… Some of you guys are in the UFC, and you’re never gonna get a f—king title. It’s like, buy some jewelry like me. And then it’s like, retire, commentate, focus on your family; you’re never gonna get a title… just stop… it’s over and done for his career.”
Despite his harsh words, Holland is now on a two-fight winning streak since his loss to Stephen Thompson at UFC Orlando last year.
For more information on UFC 291 and to watch the highlights, click here.