Hall of Fame and retirements
Demetrious Johnson was officially added to the UFC Hall of Fame during the Seattle event, while veterans Michael Chiesa and Niko Price announced their retirements after fighting on the same card. The night was therefore both a celebration of legacy and a pivot point for several veteran careers. (postwrestling.com) (essentiallysports.com)
UFC confirmed Demetrious “Mighty Mouse” Johnson will be enshrined in the Hall of Fame’s Modern Wing as part of the 2026 class, with the induction ceremony scheduled for this summer. (mmanews.com) Johnson’s run in the UFC included a record 11 consecutive flyweight title defenses and the distinction of being the promotion’s inaugural 125‑lb champion, achievements repeatedly cited by the promotion in announcing his selection. (ufc.com) Promoters and outlets noted Johnson will enter the Modern Wing as a member of the 2026 class alongside other inductees already announced earlier this year. (mymmanews.com) Michael Chiesa closed his career with a first‑round rear‑naked choke of Niko Price at Climate Pledge Arena on March 28, 2026, tapping Price at roughly 63 seconds and declaring the bout his final fight immediately afterward. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com) Chiesa, 38, who won The Ultimate Fighter: Live (season 15) in 2012 and compiled a long UFC tenure, left the sport with multiple high‑profile wins and the professional record reported in post‑fight coverage as 22‑7 overall. (en.wikipedia.org) Niko Price also announced his retirement following the loss; outlets listed his career record at about 16–11 (with two no‑contests noted in some databases) and highlighted notable earlier victories on his resume. (bloodyelbow.com) The matchup was a late adjustment to give Chiesa a farewell main‑event in his home region after his original opponent, Carlston Harris, withdrew over visa issues and Price stepped in as the replacement for the Seattle card. (mmajunkie.usatoday.com)
