UFC veteran Michael Chiesa will join Brendan Fitzgerald and Dominick Cruz in the commentary booth for the promotion's return to Shanghai on August 29, marking his debut as an official UFC color commentator. The 22-fight UFC veteran retired in March and has since been building his broadcasting career with the promotion. Chiesa described the milestone as equivalent to winning a world title, saying it validates the 18 years he has put into the sport.
Michael Chiesa is stepping away from the cage and into the commentary booth, with the UFC announcing that the retired welterweight will serve as color commentator for UFC Fight Night in Shanghai on August 29.
Chiesa, nicknamed "Maverick," will join play-by-play voice Brendan Fitzgerald and fellow analyst Dominick Cruz for the event, marking his first official appearance as a UFC color commentator. The 38-year-old American retired from active competition in March after logging 22 fights inside the Octagon, compiling a 20-7 record across his career. A southpaw who stood six-foot-one with a 75-inch reach, Chiesa was known as a dangerous grappler, averaging 3.11 takedowns per 15 minutes and one submission attempt per 15 minutes throughout his UFC tenure.
Chiesa described the broadcasting milestone in terms that reflect how much it means to him personally, equating it to winning a world title and calling it validation of the 18 years he has dedicated to the sport.
Joining him behind the microphone is Cruz, himself a decorated combat sports figure. The 41-year-old American carries a 24-4 record and has built a reputation as one of the more analytical voices in MMA broadcasting since transitioning to commentary. Cruz fights out of Alliance MMA and brings a cerebral perspective to the booth that should complement Chiesa's grappling-heavy background.
Why it matters
- Chiesa's debut adds a fresh voice with recent in-cage experience to the UFC broadcast team.
- His grappling expertise — over three takedowns per 15 minutes and a submission attempt per 15 minutes across his career — could offer sharp technical insight on the ground game.
- The Shanghai card marks the UFC's return to China, giving the broadcast added significance as a showcase event.
- Pairing Chiesa with the experienced Cruz and Fitzgerald gives the new commentator a stable platform for his first official assignment.
Saturday, August 22, 2026
