Niko Price Reflects on Victorious Retirement Bout & UFC Career, Why He Came Back After Walking Away

What happened in this episode?

Ariel Helwani interviews UFC veteran Niko Price following what Price describes as a “proper retirement fight” after his first-round win over Leon Shabazian. Price recounts that after his March fight with Michael Chiesa he considered himself finished, saying he had mentally “checked out”, with his contract ending and plans underway to build a business with his brother. He says he only returned once UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby called with an offer, and that he was not going to ask for another bout.

Price discusses the emotional differences between the March event—where he says he did not get a microphone post-fight—and the later fight, where his wife and daughter were in the cage afterwards, creating what he calls lasting memories. He describes his approach to future competition as conditional, saying he would only fight again if it “lines up” and is financially worthwhile given he has seven children.

The conversation also covers career highlights (including the James Vick upkick KO and wins over Randy Brown and Alan Jouban), the early days of his UFC run, and a memory of meeting Nick Diaz after his debut. Price frames his career in religious terms, repeatedly crediting God and saying he felt he would not lose in his final bout.

What are the key points?

• Price says he had ‘checked out’ after March, with his UFC contract ending and business plans beginning.
• He says he returned only after UFC matchmaker Sean Shelby called offering what he saw as a ‘proper retirement fight’.
• Price describes wanting any future fights to be ‘most beneficial’ financially for his family, citing having seven children.
• He says he was not upset about not getting a microphone after the March bout, though it ‘would [have] been nice’.
• Price highlights favourite moments including the James Vick upkick knockout and bouts against Randy Brown and Alan Jouban.
• He recalls meeting Nick Diaz after his UFC debut on the Rousey–Nunes card.

Who is speaking?

Named speakers identified in Egleze's source-linked moments from this episode.

• Niko Price

Which topics are covered?

How is this page sourced?

Programme

The Ariel Helwani Show

Published

14 October 2026

Duration

20m

Original episode

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