Kevin Holland Gives Honest Assessment Of Michael Chiesa's Future After UFC 291 Fight

At this past weekend's pay-per-view event, formerly ranked middleweight Kevin Holland took a sizable step closer to contention at 170 pounds.

After previously falling short against ranked welterweights Stephen Thompson and Khamzat Chimaev, "Trailblazer" can finally expect a number next to his name in the division this week following an impressive victory over Michael Chiesa.

Despite seemingly boosting a grappling advantage, "Maverick" was once again caught in a D'Arce choke while shooting for a takedown, a move he's fallen victim to numerous times across his career.

With a quick tap, Holland walked away victorious from the main card opener. While he assesses his next step, which will likely be at welterweight in spite of his preference for a return to 185 pounds, the future is less certain for his fallen opponent.

According to "Big Mouth," however, the decision should be simple.

Holland: Chiesa Should Stay Out The Cage & Commentate 

During a backstage interview with TNT Sport's Caroline Pearce in Utah, Holland revealed the words he exchanged with Chiesa inside the cage.

After noting that he told the veteran to focus on his career as an analyst, "Trailblazer" doubled down on that sentiment by insisting that Chiesa should retire as an active competitor on the back of his UFC 291 setback.

"He was telling me that I should be worried about getting the belt, and I was telling him to shut the F up, you know what I mean?" Holland said. "He should be worrying about commentating and stay out the cage.

"He should retire. I'mma be real. If his goal is to get to the belt and he can't get past me, then he's not getting to the belt," Holland continued. "But commentating, he could teach a lot of these guys how to commentate. I think he's one of the better commentators. He's not bias like all these other guys are."

Despite Holland's take, however, it doesn't believe that advice will be heeded.

In his first post-fight statement on Instagram, Chiesa vowed to bounce back, writing that he "ain't done yet."