Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Nolan King

Michael Chiesa sheds light on future after UFC 291 loss to Kevin Holland

Michael Chiesa took his gloves off in the cage at UFC 291 leading to speculation about his fighting future. But in an Instagram post after the bout, he cleared up doubt he’d fight again.

Despite his disappointment in the result, a first-round loss to Kevin Holland (25-9 MMA, 12-6 UFC) by D’Arce choke submission, Chiesa (16-7 MMA, 11-7 UFC) said he’s not done yet.

“Well that sucked,” Chiesa wrote. “Congrats to @trailblaze2top 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.”

The fight Saturday at Delta Center in Salt Lake City was Chiesa’s first UFC appearance since November 2021. Due to multiple bout cancellations, Chiesa struggled to remain active – and also confirmed at a news conference before the bout he’s been battling a back issue. Chiesa, 35, has now lost three fights in a row.

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

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.