Former UFC veteran Michael Chiesa is set to begin a new chapter in his career, making his official UFC color commentary debut at UFC Shanghai on August 29.
Chiesa, 38, retired from MMA in February after an 18-year career and has gradually transitioned into broadcasting. He has previously worked as a desk analyst for UFC events, called fights for Road to UFC and Dana White’s Contender Series, and gained experience providing commentary on LFA broadcasts.
Now, he is finally getting his opportunity inside the UFC commentary booth.
Chiesa revealed that he received the call last week informing him that he would be part of the UFC Shanghai broadcast team. He will join Brendan Fitzgerald and Dominick Cruz for the event, which will take place at the Shanghai Oriental Sports Center.
“I’m super excited,” Chiesa said. “I feel like the UFC has been building me up to this moment.”
The former lightweight and welterweight contender believes the opportunity is the result of years of preparation, with the UFC gradually giving him more responsibilities behind the microphone.
Chiesa enjoyed a respected career inside the Octagon, headlining multiple UFC events and defeating notable names including Tony Ferguson, Neil Magny, Rafael dos Anjos, Diego Sanchez, Carlos Condit, Beneil Dariush and Jim Miller.
However, despite his accomplishments, he never achieved his ultimate goal of becoming UFC champion.
Chiesa admitted that failing to win a world title was difficult to accept, but his transition into broadcasting has given him a new perspective on his career.
“There’s been over 100 UFC champs, and there’s only been a handful of commentators,” he said. “For me to do color commentary for an official UFC event, it validates my body of work and the 18 years I’ve put into this sport.”
Chiesa now views his commentary debut as his own version of a championship opportunity.
“This is my world title. I’m getting my first crack at it.”
His first official UFC assignment will come at an event headlined by a highly anticipated bantamweight clash between Umar Nurmagomedov and Song Yadong.
For Chiesa, UFC Shanghai represents more than simply a broadcasting opportunity — it is the latest milestone in a career that is entering an entirely new phase.
