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Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa
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Michael Keith Chiesa[9] (/ˌkiˈɛsə/; born December 7, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and sports analyst who currently competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). A professional since 2008, Chiesa was the winner of FX's inaugural The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

Key Information

Background

[edit]

Chiesa was born in Aurora, Colorado, but moved to Spokane County, Washington,[10][11] in his early years, growing up in Otis Orchards-East Farms with two older sisters.[3][12] Having mostly just skateboarded until the age of 11, Chiesa started wrestling.[3] Mere days before his sixteenth birthday, Chiesa moved out to live with his dad and stepmom in order to get away from his mentally and physically abusive biological mother.[3] Chiesa wrestled for and graduated from Shadle Park High School, then attended Spokane Falls Community College for three days before dropping out in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.[13]

Mixed martial arts career

[edit]

Early career

[edit]

Chiesa began his professional mixed martial arts career in 2008. He fought for several regional promotions in the Pacific Northwest, going undefeated in his first seven fights,[14] before gaining an opportunity to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Live reality show.[15]

The Ultimate Fighter

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Chiesa was one of 32 lightweight fighters announced by the UFC to participate in first live season of The Ultimate Fighter reality show.[15]

Chiesa earned his way into The Ultimate Fighter house, and a $5,000 bonus, with a submission victory over Johnavan Vistante in the elimination rounds.[16] He was chosen as the fifth pick for Team Faber. Chiesa's terminally ill father died shortly after his victory.[17]

After teammate Al Iaquinta picked up the first win for Team Faber, his coach decided that Chiesa would fight Jeremy Larsen next. Chiesa would go on to defeat Larsen by unanimous decision after two rounds.[18]

For his quarter-final fight, Chiesa was matched up with the highly favored prospect, Justin Lawrence. After a hard-fought two rounds, the judges declared a draw and the fight went to a third, "sudden-victory" round. Early in the third round, Chiesa was able to reverse Lawrence on the ground, gain a mount position and win the fight by TKO, earning a $5,000 knock-out bonus and a place in the semi-finals.[19]

Chiesa was selected to fight Team Cruz fighter, James Vick, in the semi-final round. Chiesa won the fight by technical knockout in the second round. He moved on to the finals against Team Faber teammate Al Iaquinta.[20]

Ultimate Fighting Championship

[edit]

Chiesa officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, against fellow Team Faber teammate Al Iaquinta.[21] Chiesa defeated Iaquinta by technical submission due to a rear-naked choke 2:47 into the opening round thus becoming The Ultimate Fighter: Live's inaugural winner and received Submission of the Night honors for his efforts.[22]

Chiesa was expected to face Rafaello Oliveira on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.[23] However, Oliveira was forced out of the bout with a broken hand and replaced by Marcus LeVesseur.[24] Then, the week of the event, Chiesa was forced out of the bout with LeVesseur with the shingles and the bout was scrapped altogether.[25]

Chiesa next fought Anton Kuivanen on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157.[26] Chiesa submitted Kuivanen with a rear-naked choke in the second round.[27]

Chiesa was expected to face Reza Madadi on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8.[28] However, on May 14, 2013, it was announced Madadi was pulled from the bout due to visa issues. Chiesa instead faced Jorge Masvidal.[29] Chiesa was stopped by Masvidal in the second round due to a d'arce choke submission, resulting in the first defeat in his professional career.[30]

Chiesa next faced Ultimate Fighter winner Colton Smith on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.[31] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[32] The win also earned Chiesa his second Submission of the Night bonus award.[33]

Chiesa faced Francisco Trinaldo at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014.[34] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[35]

Chiesa faced Joe Lauzon on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.[36] After a back and forth fight, Lauzon defeated Chiesa via TKO in the second round after opening a significant cut above Chiesa's right eye, forcing a doctor's stoppage.[37] The performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.[38]

Chiesa faced Mitch Clarke on April 4, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 63.[39] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[40]

Chiesa faced Jim Miller on December 10, 2015, at UFC Fight Night 80.[41] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[42] The bout also earned Chiesa his second Fight of the Night bonus award.[43]

Chiesa faced Beneil Dariush on April 16, 2016, at UFC on Fox 19.[44] He won the bout via submission in the second round and was also awarded a Performance of the Night bonus.[45][46]

Chiesa was expected to face Tony Ferguson on July 13, 2016, at UFC Fight Night 91.[47] However, Chiesa pulled out of the fight on June 27 citing a back injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lando Vannata.[48][49]

Chiesa faced Kevin Lee on June 25, 2017, at UFC Fight Night 112.[50] At a UFC summer kick off press conference in association with UFC 211, Kevin Lee mentioned Chiesa's mother had tickets to the show, in which Chiesa responded "don't you ever talk about my mom". This verbal altercation ultimately led to punches being thrown, and both were escorted from the stage.[51][52] Chiesa lost the fight via technical submission at the end of the first round.[53] He appealed to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission to overturn the defeat, claiming referee Mario Yamasaki erred both in stopping the fight despite no tapout nor loss of consciousness and in allowing Lee to use illegal downward elbows, which cut his head.[54] Later, the appeal was dismissed by the commission.[55]

Albeit having one fight left on his contract, Chiesa signed a new four-fight deal with UFC at the end of August 2017.[56]

UFC 223 and Conor McGregor incident

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Chiesa was expected to face Anthony Pettis on April 7, 2018, at UFC 223;[57] however, the bout was canceled after a backstage incident with Conor McGregor on April 5, 2018. McGregor threw a dolly at a UFC bus that Chiesa was traveling on and broke a window. Chiesa was hit by shards of glass, which opened a cut on his forehead, and needed hospitalization subsequently resulting in the fight's cancellation.[58]

On September 10, 2018, Chiesa told the media he has sued McGregor for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. He also sued Barclay's Center for negligence, although he didn't disclose the amounts or further details of either of the cases.[59] In early 2022 news surfaced that the attorneys of both fighters filed for stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice, having reached a settlement in the process.[60]

The bout with Pettis was rescheduled to UFC 226.[61] At weight-ins, Chiesa weighed in at 157.5 pounds, 1.5 pounds over the lightweight limit of 156 pounds. As a result, the fight proceeded at a catchweight bout and Chiesa forfeited 30% of his purse to Pettis.[62] Chiesa lost the fight via submission in round two.[63] Shortly after the loss, Chiesa announced going up to welterweight division.[1]

Move up to Welterweight

[edit]

Chiesa faced Carlos Condit on December 29, 2018, at UFC 232.[64] He won the fight via submission in the second round.[65]

Chiesa faced Diego Sanchez on July 6, 2019, at UFC 239.[66] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[67] Chiesa dedicated the win to the memory of Jess Roskelley.[7]

Chiesa faced Rafael dos Anjos on January 25, 2020, at UFC Fight Night 166.[68] He won the fight via unanimous decision.[69]

Chiesa faced Neil Magny on January 20, 2021, at UFC on ESPN 20.[70] Chiesa won the fight via unanimous decision after controlling Magny on the ground for most of the 5 rounds. [71]

Chiesa faced Vicente Luque on August 7, 2021, at UFC 265.[72] He lost the fight via a submission in round one.[73]

Chiesa faced Sean Brady on November 20, 2021, at UFC Fight Night 198.[74] He lost the bout via unanimous decision.[75]

Chiesa was scheduled to face Li Jingliang on April 8, 2023, at UFC 287.[76] However, Jingliang pulled out of the bout due to a spine injury.[77]

Chiesa faced Kevin Holland on July 29, 2023, at UFC 291, losing the bout via a brabo choke submission in round one.[78]

Chiesa faced Tony Ferguson on August 3, 2024 at UFC on ABC 7.[79] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the first round.[80]

On his birthday, Chiesa faced Max Griffin on December 7, 2024 at UFC 310.[81] He won the fight via a rear-naked choke submission in the third round.[82]

Chiesa was scheduled to compete against a to be determined opponent on February 22, 2025 at UFC Fight Night 252.[83] However, no opponent was ever announced so he was removed from the card.[84]

Chiesa faced Court McGee on June 14, 2025, at UFC on ESPN 69.[85] He won the fight by unanimous decision.[86]

Film and television

[edit]

Chiesa was featured in the award-winning mixed martial arts documentary Fight Life. The film is directed by James Z. Feng and was released in 2013.[87]

Since UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till on May 27, 2018, Chiesa has been regularly acting as a desk analyst at UFC events.[88] In 2025 he made his commentary debut on Week Four of Dana White's Contender Series Season Nine.

Championships and achievements

[edit]

Mixed martial arts record

[edit]
Professional record breakdown
26 matches 19 wins 7 losses
By knockout 0 1
By submission 12 5
By decision 7 1
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 19–7 Court McGee Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley June 14, 2025 3 5:00 Atlanta, Georgia, United States
Win 18–7 Max Griffin Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 310 December 7, 2024 3 1:56 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 17–7 Tony Ferguson Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on ABC: Sandhagen vs. Nurmagomedov August 3, 2024 1 3:44 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Loss 16–7 Kevin Holland Submission (brabo choke) UFC 291 July 29, 2023 1 2:39 Salt Lake City, Utah, United States
Loss 16–6 Sean Brady Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Vieira vs. Tate November 20, 2021 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Loss 16–5 Vicente Luque Submission (brabo choke) UFC 265 August 7, 2021 1 3:25 Houston, Texas, United States
Win 16–4 Neil Magny Decision (unanimous) UFC on ESPN: Chiesa vs. Magny January 20, 2021 5 5:00 Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Win 15–4 Rafael dos Anjos Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos January 25, 2020 3 5:00 Raleigh, North Carolina, United States
Win 14–4 Diego Sanchez Decision (unanimous) UFC 239 July 6, 2019 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 13–4 Carlos Condit Submission (kimura) UFC 232 December 29, 2018 2 0:56 Inglewood, California, United States Return to Welterweight.
Loss 12–4 Anthony Pettis Submission (triangle armbar) UFC 226 July 7, 2018 2 0:52 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Catchweight (157.5 lb) bout; Chiesa missed weight.
Loss 12–3 Kevin Lee Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs. Lee June 25, 2017 1 4:37 Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, United States
Win 12–2 Beneil Dariush Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC on Fox: Teixeira vs. Evans April 16, 2016 2 1:20 Tampa, Florida, United States Performance of the Night.
Win 11–2 Jim Miller Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC Fight Night: Namajunas vs. VanZant December 10, 2015 2 2:57 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 10–2 Mitch Clarke Decision (unanimous) UFC Fight Night: Mendes vs. Lamas April 4, 2015 3 5:00 Fairfax, Virginia, United States
Loss 9–2 Joe Lauzon TKO (doctor stoppage) UFC Fight Night: Jacaré vs. Mousasi September 5, 2014 2 2:14 Mashantucket, Connecticut, United States Fight of the Night.
Win 9–1 Francisco Trinaldo Decision (unanimous) UFC 173 May 24, 2014 3 5:00 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States
Win 8–1 Colton Smith Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC: Fight for the Troops 3 November 6, 2013 2 1:41 Fort Campbell, Kentucky, United States Submission of the Night.
Loss 7–1 Jorge Masvidal Submission (brabo choke) UFC on Fox: Johnson vs. Moraga July 27, 2013 2 4:59 Seattle, Washington, United States
Win 7–0 Anton Kuivanen Submission (rear-naked choke) UFC 157 February 23, 2013 2 2:29 Anaheim, California, United States
Win 6–0 Al Iaquinta Technical Submission (rear-naked choke) The Ultimate Fighter: Live Finale June 1, 2012 1 2:47 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States Won The Ultimate Fighter 15 Lightweight Tournament. Submission of the Night.
Win 5–0 Darrell Fenner Submission (rear-naked choke) CageSport 16 October 1, 2011 1 0:45 Tacoma, Washington, United States Welterweight bout.
Win 4–0 Matt Coble Submission (rear-naked choke) Lords of the Cage 6 July 16, 2011 1 2:13 Manson, Washington, United States
Win 3–0 Evian Rodriguez Submission (rear-naked choke) Lords of the Cage 5 April 28, 2011 1 1:03 Airway Heights, Washington, United States
Win 2–0 Darcy James Submission (brabo choke) Battlefield Fight League 7 March 26, 2011 1 0:53 Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada
Win 1–0 Andy Paves Decision (unanimous) Rumble on the Ridge 14 October 20, 2010 3 5:00 Snoqualmie, Washington, United States
Res. Record Opponent Method Event Date Round Time Location Notes
Win 4–0 James Vick TKO (punches) The Ultimate Fighter: Live May 25, 2012 (Live airdate) 2 1:55 Las Vegas, Nevada, United States The Ultimate Fighter 15 Semi-Final round.
Win 3–0 Justin Lawrence TKO (punches) May 11, 2012 (Live airdate) 3 1:02 The Ultimate Fighter 15 Quarter-Final round.
Win 2–0 Jeremy Larsen Decision (unanimous) April 6, 2012 (Live airdate) 2 5:00 The Ultimate Fighter 15 Preliminary round.
Win 1–0 Johnavan Vistante Submission (rear-naked choke) March 9, 2012 (Live airdate) 1 2:05 The Ultimate Fighter 15 Elimination round.

See also

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References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Michael Chiesa

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Michael Keith Chiesa (born December 7, 1987), known professionally as "Maverick", is an American professional mixed martial artist competing in the welterweight division of the (UFC). A submission specialist renowned for his expertise, Chiesa has secured 12 of his professional victories by submission, including several high-profile finishes in the UFC . He first gained widespread recognition as the winner of Season 15 in 2012, which marked his official entry into the UFC. Born in Aurora, Colorado, Chiesa relocated with his family to Spokane, Washington, during his childhood, where he began training in wrestling and at a young age. He turned professional in , quickly establishing himself on the regional MMA circuit in the with an undefeated streak of 5-0 before joining . Since his UFC debut at 15 Finale, where he submitted via rear-naked choke, Chiesa has competed in 21 bouts under the promotion, earning accolades such as multiple Performance of the Night and Fight of the Night bonuses for standout performances. His career highlights include submission victories over notable opponents like Tony Ferguson in 2024 and Max Griffin later that year, contributing to a current three-fight winning streak as of November 2025. As of November 2025, Chiesa maintains a professional MMA record of 19 wins and 7 losses, fighting out of , under the Sikjitsu banner. Standing at 6 feet 1 inch with a 75-inch reach, he continues to be a formidable contender in the division, blending his elite wrestling background with advanced submission techniques honed over nearly two decades in the sport.

Early life

Family and heritage

Michael Chiesa was born on December 7, 1987, in Aurora, Colorado. He relocated with his family to Spokane Valley, Washington, at a young age, where he spent the majority of his childhood in the Otis Orchards-East Farms area. Chiesa's heritage is Italian-American, with his father, Mark Chiesa, hailing from Italian roots in Camogli and raised in Brooklyn, New York, and his mother, Teresa Chiesa, also of Italian-American descent. He has described his background as fully Italian, stating, "My dad is Italian. My mom is Italian-American. So, I’m Italian." Chiesa grew up with two older sisters, Maggie and Amy, who provided strong familial support during key moments in his life. His family dynamics were shaped by significant challenges, including his parents' when he was two years old, after which he lived primarily with his mother in Washington. This early separation influenced his upbringing, fostering resilience amid a close-knit bond. Chiesa's early exposure to sports came through family encouragement, beginning with before transitioning to wrestling in his youth.

Education and amateur wrestling

Michael Chiesa attended Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington, where he developed a strong foundation in wrestling during his high school years. As a dedicated wrestler, he demonstrated his competitive prowess and commitment to the sport. This period marked the beginning of his athletic journey, emphasizing the rigorous training and technical skills that would later define his career. He compiled an amateur MMA record of 7-1 before turning professional. Following high school graduation, Chiesa enrolled at but left after a brief period to pursue his passion for full-time. Although his formal remained incomplete, his focus shifted entirely to , with wrestling remaining central to his development. He has since returned to his as an assistant wrestling coach, underscoring the enduring impact of his high school experience. Through his wrestling background, Chiesa cultivated essential grappling techniques, mental discipline, and physical resilience that formed the core of his athletic identity. The sport's demands for perseverance and strategic execution provided him with a competitive edge, honed under the guidance of influential coaches during his formative years.

Mixed martial arts career

Pre-UFC professional career

Chiesa made his professional debut in 2008. Building on his background, which served as the foundation for his prowess, Chiesa quickly established himself in the regional scene. He compiled an undefeated record of 5-0 before entering , with victories coming via submission, TKO, and decision. His fights took place across several promotions, including CageSport, Lords of the Cage (LOTC), Battlefield Fight League (BFL), and , where he honed his skills against a variety of opponents. Notable performances included a victory over Andy Paves on October 30, 2010, at ROTR 14 - Defiance, showcasing his wrestling base over three rounds. Earlier, on October 1, 2011, at CageSport 16 in , he secured a first-round rear-naked choke submission victory against Darrell Fenner at 0:45, further highlighting his attacks, with four of his five wins ending in the first round. Throughout his early professional career from to , Chiesa trained at Sikjitsu MMA in Spokane, Washington, under the guidance of local coaches who emphasized wrestling and submission . To support himself financially, he balanced training with full-time work, including a job as a beer distributor for in Spokane, often relying on simple meals like Clif bars and protein shakes to maintain his regimen. This period solidified his reputation as a submission specialist in the lightweight division on the regional circuit.

The Ultimate Fighter

In 2012, Michael Chiesa was selected as one of the lightweight contestants for The Ultimate Fighter Season 15, known as "The Return of The Ultimate Fighter," after compiling an undefeated 5-0 professional record. He joined Team Faber, coached by Urijah Faber, which competed against Team Cruz, led by Dominick Cruz, in a format featuring live preliminary fights broadcast on FX. Chiesa earned his spot in the TUF house with a first-round rear-naked choke submission victory over Johnavan Vistante in the elimination bout on March 7, 2012, securing a $5,000 bonus for his performance. In the quarterfinals, he advanced by defeating Jeremy Larsen via unanimous decision after two rounds on April 6, 2012, showcasing dominant grappling control despite a competitive striking exchange. The semifinals saw Chiesa stop Justin Lawrence with punches at 1:02 of the third round (sudden victory period) on May 4, 2012, overwhelming his opponent with ground-and-pound after multiple takedown attempts. The season's narrative emphasized intense team rivalries between the Faber and camps, with verbal sparring and strategic picks heightening tensions during training sessions. Under Faber's guidance, Chiesa refined his , drawing on his wrestling background to establish himself as a submission threat, while navigating house dynamics and weight cuts. His journey gained emotional depth when his father passed away from cancer just days before the finale, motivating Chiesa to dedicate his efforts to honoring that legacy. Chiesa capped his tournament run by submitting fellow Team Faber member via rear-naked choke at 2:47 of the first round in the finale at UFC on 5 on June 1, 2012, earning the season championship in an upset victory that highlighted his resilience. The win secured a UFC and propelled Chiesa into the organization's division as a promising , immediately elevating his profile in professional .

UFC career

Lightweight division

Chiesa made his official UFC debut as the winner of Season 15 at 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, where he defeated by rear-naked choke submission at 2:47 of the first round. This victory marked the start of his professional tenure and highlighted his expertise, as he capitalized on his to secure the win against a striking-oriented opponent. Following a scheduled bout against Marcus LeVesseur at UFC on Fox 5 that was canceled due to illness, Chiesa returned at on February 23, 2013, submitting Anton Kuivanen via rear-naked choke in the second round at 2:29. He extended his undefeated streak with another submission victory over Colton Smith by rear-naked choke at 1:41 of the second round in the UFC Fight Night 31 co-main event on November 6, 2013. Chiesa's first career setback came at UFC Fight Night 26 on August 17, 2013, when he lost to Jorge Masvidal by D'Arce choke submission at 4:59 of the second round, ending his perfect professional record. He rebounded at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014, dominating Francisco Trinaldo with superior wrestling and control to earn a unanimous decision victory (30-26, 30-26, 30-27). However, a severe cut from an elbow led to a doctor stoppage loss against Joe Lauzon at UFC Fight Night 50 on September 5, 2014, in the second round at 2:37. Chiesa then notched a gritty split decision win (29-28, 29-28, 28-29) over veteran Jim Miller at UFC Fight Night 82 on February 21, 2015, relying on persistent takedown attempts and ground control to edge out the victory. Building momentum toward title contention, Chiesa secured a Performance of the Night bonus with a rear-naked choke submission over at 1:20 of the second round at UFC on Fox 19 on April 16, 2016. He followed with a major upset, defeating former UFC Champion by rear-naked choke at 4:48 of the second round at on June 4, 2016, earning Fight of the Night honors for the back-and-forth grappling battle. Chiesa's next bout was a title eliminator against at UFC Fight Night 112 on June 25, 2017, where he lost via D'Arce choke submission at 4:37 of the second round. His title aspirations were further halted in the co-main event of on October 7, 2017, where submitted him via rear-naked choke at 4:02 of the second round to claim the interim title. Throughout his lightweight tenure from 2012 to 2017, Chiesa amassed a 7-4 UFC record, with five of his seven wins coming by submission, underscoring his grappling-heavy style rooted in his background and black belt in . He earned a Submission of the Night bonus against Smith, Performance of the Night against , and Fight of the Night awards against and Henderson, establishing himself as a persistent wrestler who controlled fights on the ground while improving his striking defense against elite competition.

Welterweight division

Following his submission loss to in the division at in October 2017, Chiesa transitioned to the class, citing the grueling weight cuts at 155 pounds as a primary motivation for the change. His planned debut against at in April 2018 was derailed when he sustained facial cuts from flying glass during McGregor's attack on a bus carrying UFC fighters outside the in ; the incident, in which McGregor hurled a metal dolly through the bus window, forced Chiesa's withdrawal and the fight's cancellation. Chiesa subsequently filed a civil against McGregor in September 2018, alleging , , and emotional distress that resulted in lost opportunities and compensation; the case was settled out of court in December 2022 without disclosed terms. Chiesa made his official debut at on December 29, 2018, where he submitted via in the second round, earning Performance of the Night honors and signaling his prowess at the new . He followed with a dominant victory over at on July 6, 2019, controlling the fight with superior wrestling and ground strikes over three rounds. Another key win came against former champion at UFC Fight Night 167 on January 25, 2020, as Chiesa outgrappled the Brazilian to a , extending his to three. He then headlined UFC on ESPN 20 against on January 20, 2021, winning a (49-46, 49-46, 49-46) after five rounds to extend his streak to four. Chiesa's momentum stalled later in 2021 with submission and decision losses: first to via D'Arce choke in the opening round at on August 7, 2021, despite initially threatening with his own grappling attempts; and then a unanimous decision loss (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) to Sean Brady at UFC Fight Night 198 on November 20, 2021. He faced further setbacks with a first-round D'Arce choke defeat to at on July 29, 2023, highlighting challenges against the division's versatile strikers and wrestlers. In 2024, Chiesa secured a first-round rear-naked choke win over Tony Ferguson in a welterweight rematch at UFC on ABC 7 on August 3, 2024, avenging their 2017 lightweight encounter and demonstrating improved durability at 170 pounds. He extended his resurgence with a third-round rear-naked choke submission of Max Griffin at UFC 310 on December 7, 2024. A scheduled bout against an unannounced opponent at UFC Fight Night 252 on February 22, 2025, was ultimately canceled due to the lack of a confirmed matchup. Chiesa closed out the first half of 2025 with a unanimous decision victory over fellow TUF winner Court McGee at UFC on ESPN 69 on June 14, 2025, relying on clinch control and takedowns to outpoint his opponent across three rounds. These results updated Chiesa's overall professional record to 19-7, with a 7-3 mark in UFC welterweight competition as of November 2025. Throughout his welterweight tenure, Chiesa has adapted to the division's increased striking power and physicality by emphasizing his elite wrestling base and submission game, though he has occasionally struggled against opponents who neutralize his grappling early.

Media and entertainment

Acting and television roles

Michael Chiesa has ventured into television primarily through roles related to mixed martial arts analysis and commentary, leveraging his expertise as a fighter to contribute to broadcasts outside of active competition. His UFC fame has enabled these media opportunities, allowing him to engage audiences on fighter perspectives and event breakdowns. Chiesa first gained prominence on television as a contestant on the reality series The Ultimate Fighter: Live in 2012, where he won the season and earned a UFC contract. He later returned as a guest mentor during season 29 of in 2021, offering advice to emerging fighters based on his own experiences. Since 2018, Chiesa has served as a regular desk analyst for UFC events, providing post-fight analysis, predictions, and insights on and other networks. His debut in this role came during UFC Fight Night: Thompson vs. Till, and he has since appeared on numerous cards, including in 2023. This position has offered him a creative outlet during periods of injury recovery, allowing him to stay connected to the sport while healing. Chiesa has also participated in non-competitive interviews on ESPN's MMA-focused programming, such as discussions following his fights where he addresses career challenges and division dynamics. These television engagements highlight his grounded persona and have helped diversify his public profile beyond the .

Coaching and other appearances

In 2025, Chiesa served as an assistant coach for Team Cormier on Season 33, where he mentored up-and-coming fighters and drew from his own experiences as the winner of Season 15 in 2012 to guide the team through training and strategy sessions. Chiesa has contributed to UFC broadcasts as a guest analyst, providing expert breakdowns of fights with a focus on grappling and submission techniques. He first appeared in this role for UFC Fight Night 235 in January 2024, analyzing the card alongside other commentators, and continued with post-fight commentary for events like UFC Vegas 110 in November 2025, where he critiqued defensive errors in submissions. In September 2025, he made his cageside commentary debut on , offering real-time insights into prospect performances. Chiesa has made several guest appearances on prominent MMA podcasts, sharing perspectives on his career trajectory, the 2018 Conor McGregor bus attack incident, and evolving strategies in the division. He has been a frequent guest on The Show, including episodes in January 2020 discussing his win over , November 2021 reflecting on losses, and December 2024 previewing his UFC 310 bout while addressing mental challenges in the sport. He also co-hosts the UFC Round Up podcast with , where episodes post-2018 cover fight breakdowns, including reactions to high-profile events like in 2021. As a veteran fighter based in Spokane, Washington, Chiesa remains actively involved in MMA training camps at Sikjitsu Fighting Systems, his longtime gym, where he advises younger athletes on technique and resilience. In November 2024, he publicly shared motivational advice for struggling fighters, emphasizing perseverance after overcoming his own three-fight skid, drawing from his experiences under head coach Rick Little.

Championships and accomplishments

Major titles and tournaments

Michael Chiesa's most prominent achievement in is his victory in Season 15 tournament in 2012. As a member of Team Faber, Chiesa advanced through the competition by defeating opponents including Johnavan Vistante via submission, Jeremy Larsen via decision, Justin Lawrence via strikes, and via strikes, before capturing the title in the finale against with a rear-naked choke submission at 2:47 of the first round on June 1, 2012. This win secured him a contract with the and marked his entry as a top prospect in the division. Prior to his UFC tenure, Chiesa held the Legends of the Cage (LOTC) championship, a regional title in the professional MMA scene, which he won once in 2011 via submission. He has not captured any world championships in MMA. In his amateur career, Chiesa compiled a 7-1 record and earned six regional MMA championships in the , building a strong foundation in and wrestling before turning professional in 2008. The TUF 15 triumph remains his sole major tournament title, highlighting his resilience and submission expertise early in his career.

Performance awards and records

Throughout his UFC career, Michael Chiesa has been recognized for his grappling prowess with multiple performance bonuses, highlighting his ability to secure dominant submission victories. He has earned five Performance of the Night awards, each for a submission finish: against via rear-naked choke at UFC Fight Night 29 on October 9, 2013; Anton Kuivanen via rear-naked choke at UFC on Fuel TV 9 on April 6, 2013; Jim Miller via rear-naked choke at UFC Fight Night 80 on December 10, 2015; via rear-naked choke at UFC on Fox 19 on April 16, 2016; and via kimura at on December 29, 2018. Additionally, Chiesa received a Fight of the Night bonus for his competitive submission loss to at UFC Fight Night 112 on June 25, 2017, a bout that ended controversially due to a doctor stoppage in the second round. In terms of statistical achievements, Chiesa's UFC tenure includes eight submission victories, tying him for sixth all-time in the promotion's history as of 2025. During his primary time in the division from 2012 to 2017, he recorded five submission wins, contributing to a tie for the most in that among active fighters during his peak years there. These finishes underscore his 63% finish rate via submission, with 12 such victories in his overall professional record of 19-7 as of 2025.

Personal life

Family and relationships

Michael Chiesa has been in a long-term relationship with Kelsi Jo Chiesa (née Berger), whom he met around 2012. The couple married in June 2023 after approximately a decade together, with Kelsi working as a realtor in Washington. She provides significant emotional support for Chiesa's demanding UFC career, often accompanying him to events and helping maintain stability amid frequent travels. Chiesa grew up with two sisters, Meggie and Amy, in , after his family relocated from . His sisters played a key role in supporting him during challenging times, particularly after their father Mark's death from in 2012 while Chiesa competed on . Meggie traveled to to cheer him on during the finale, while Amy, who was pregnant at the time, followed from home; both regularly watched episodes with their mother Teresa, offering unwavering family encouragement. The influence of his family has shaped Chiesa's career decisions, including his choice to train at Sikjitsu in Spokane since 2008 to remain close to his roots and support network in the area. This proximity allows him to balance intense fight preparations with family obligations. Chiesa has credited his family's resilience—especially after his father's passing—as a motivating force in his professional perseverance.

Activism and interests

Michael Chiesa has demonstrated a commitment to community involvement through his role as an assistant wrestling coach at Shadle Park High School in Spokane, Washington, where he mentors young athletes and contributes to local development. In addition, he has supported charitable causes within the MMA community, notably by auctioning his fight-worn kit from UFC on 20 in 2021 to benefit Dustin Poirier's Foundation, which aids underprivileged youth through education and anti-bullying programs. Beyond his professional pursuits, Chiesa maintains several personal interests that reflect his roots and downtime preferences. stands out as his favorite hobby, allowing him to embrace the outdoor lifestyle of the region, while he also enjoys —albeit self-deprecatingly noting his lack of proficiency—and reading books for relaxation. As Chiesa navigates the later stages of his MMA career in 2025, following a victory at in June, he has expressed interest in transitioning to full-time and roles post-retirement. He made his UFC broadcasting debut as a desk analyst for UFC Fight Night 265 in on November 18, 2025.

References

  1. https://www.ufc.com/athlete/michael-chiesa
  2. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/_/id/2960681/michael-chiesa
  3. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/fighters/15253-mike-chiesa-maverick
  4. https://www.ufc.com/news/michael-chiesa-life-forged-ultimate-fighter-ufc-atlanta
  5. https://www.profootballnetwork.com/ufc/michael-chiesa-ethnicity-nationality-family-background/
  6. https://www.espn.com/mma/fighter/bio/_/id/2960681/michael-chiesa
  7. https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/what-nationality-is-michael-chiesa
  8. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-michael-chiesa-s-ethnicity-and-nationality-who-are-his-parents-all-about-the-ufc-stars-background/
  9. https://www.si.com/more-sports/2012/06/04/michael-chiesa
  10. https://www.sherdog.com/fighter/Michael-Chiesa-46224
  11. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-where-does-michael-chiesa-train-gym-coach-teammates-and-more/
  12. https://www.espn.co.uk/ufc/sport/story/140332.html
  13. https://www.mmafighting.com/ufc/2012/4/6/2931763/michael-chiesa-defeats-jeremy-larsen-on-tuf-live
  14. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/203953-the-ultimate-fighter-season-15-mike-maverick-chiesa-vs-justin-the-american-kid-lawrence
  15. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/2012/06/tuf-live-finale-results-chiesa-vs-iaquinta
  16. https://www.sportsnet.ca/more/tuf-live-finale-recap-al-iaquinta-michael-chiesa-justin-lawrence/
  17. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/59106-the-ultimate-fighter-15-finale-mike-maverick-chiesa-vs-ragin-al-iaquinta
  18. https://www.mmafighting.com/2013/11/6/5075026/ufc-fight-for-the-troops-3-results-michael-chiesa-chokes-out-colton
  19. http://ufcstats.com/fight-details/900ae72adbf7c49f
  20. https://www.tapology.com/fightcenter/bouts/128458-ufc-173-mike-maverick-chiesa-vs-francisco-massaranduba-trinaldo
  21. https://www.mmafighting.com/2016/4/16/11445246/ufc-on-fox-19-results-michael-chiesa-submits-beneil-dariush-calls-out
  22. https://www.roster.watch/fighters/michaelchiesa.html
  23. http://ufcstats.com/fighter-details/c58f51dedb310998
  24. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/24643083/michael-chiesa-files-civil-suit-conor-mcgregor-bus-attack
  25. https://www.mmafighting.com/2022/12/2/23373819/michael-chiesa-conor-mcgregor-settle-bus-attack-lawsuit-from-ufc-223
  26. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-239-results-highlights-michael-chiesa-dominates-diego-sanchez-on-the-ground-for-easy-win/
  27. https://www.espn.com/mma/story/_/id/28546493/ufc-fight-night-results-michael-chiesa-handles-rafael-dos-anjos-calls-colby-covington
  28. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/fighters/michael-chiesa
  29. https://www.mmafighting.com/2021/8/7/22614990/ufc-265-results-vicente-luque-calls-out-kamaru-usman-after-submitting-michael-chiesa-darce-choke
  30. https://www.cbssports.com/mma/news/ufc-291-results-highlights-kevin-holland-chokes-out-michael-chiesa-in-first-round-plots-move-up-in-weight/
  31. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2024/08/03/ufc-abc-7-michael-chiesa-submission-tony-ferguson-eight-straight-losses-possible-retirement/74661109007/
  32. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/14/spokanes-michael-chiesa-beats-court-mcgee-via-unan/
  33. https://www.facebook.com/ESPNMMA/videos/michael-chiesa-makes-a-guest-appearance-on-tuf-29/918164292075470/
  34. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2023/apr/06/spokane-fighter-michael-chiesa-works-on-big-pictur/
  35. https://www.imdb.com/title/tt27716694/characters/nm4236557
  36. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/01/12/michael-chiesa-loves-broadcast-analyst-role-but-wants-ufc-commentary/81691609007/
  37. https://www.mmafighting.com/2025/2/11/24363888/daniel-cormier-brings-in-current-wwe-superstar-to-join-coaching-staff-for-tuf-33
  38. https://sports.yahoo.com/ufc-fight-night-235-commentary-140029638.html
  39. https://bloodyelbow.com/2025/11/02/doesnt-even-belong-here-ufc-analyst-slams-amateur-performance-from-ufc-vegas-110-fighter/
  40. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujAgsnxwgww
  41. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UJRbpZ2_8og
  42. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4MfMsz-9HS8
  43. https://open.spotify.com/episode/7CSzI4xjQS4nj8hNPrlMLw
  44. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ufc-round-up-with-paul-felder-michael-chiesa/id1654983957
  45. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jHp_BHqWkgA
  46. https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2025/jun/12/im-fighting-for-spokane-ufc-welterweight-michael-c/
  47. https://www.mmanews.com/news/ufc/michael-chiesa-advice-to-struggling-fighters/
  48. https://www.ufc.com/news/tuf-live-finale-main-card-results
  49. https://www.ufc.com/news/fight-night-vegas-post-fight-bonus-recap
  50. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2016/04/16/ufc-on-fox-19-bonuses-teixeira-chiesa-zaleski-dos-santos-and-akhmedov-take-home-50k/82353886007/
  51. https://statleaders.ufc.com/?page=1&weight_class=2
  52. https://www.[sherdog](/page/Sherdog).com/fighter/Michael-Chiesa-46224
  53. https://www.sportskeeda.com/mma/michael-chiesas-wife
  54. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-who-is-michael-chiesa-wife-when-did-he-get-married-all-about-the-ufc-stars-family/
  55. https://lasvegassun.com/news/2012/may/30/mike-chiesa-overcomes-fathers-death-reach-ultimate/
  56. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2021/01/17/ufc-on-espn-20-michael-chiesa-auction-fight-kit-dustin-poirier-charity-he-good-fight-foundation/81686119007/
  57. https://www.essentiallysports.com/ufc-mma-news-thirty-seven-year-old-michael-chiesa-thanks-amazing-boss-as-dana-whites-ufc-hands-lifetime-role-before-retirement/
  58. https://sports.yahoo.com/michael-chiesa-targets-ufc-commentary-193004364.html
  59. https://mmajunkie.usatoday.com/story/sports/ufc/2025/11/18/ufc-fight-night-265-commentators-broadcast-doha-qatar-debut/87328079007/
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