Michael Chiesa

Michael Keith Chiesa (born December 7, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and sports analyst who competes in the welterweight division in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

A professional mixed martial artist since 2008, Chiesa was the winner of FX's inaugural The Ultimate Fighter: Live.

As of October 24, 2023, he is #14 in the UFC welterweight rankings.

Chiesa was born in Aurora, Colorado, but moved to Spokane County, Washington, in his early years, growing up in Otis Orchards-East Farms with two older sisters.

Having mostly just skateboarded until the age of 11, Chiesa started wrestling.

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.

Chiesa wrestled at Shadle Park High School from where he graduated before attending Spokane Falls Community College for three days before dropping out in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.

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, before gaining an opportunity to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Live reality show.

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

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.

He was chosen as the fifth pick for Team Faber.

Chiesa's terminally ill father died shortly after his victory.

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.

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.

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.

Chiesa officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, against fellow Team Faber teammate Al Iaquinta.

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.

Chiesa was expected to face Rafaello Oliveira on December 8, 2012, at UFC on Fox 5.

However, Oliveira was forced out of the bout with a broken hand and replaced by Marcus LeVesseur.

Then, the week of the event, Chiesa was forced out of the bout with LeVesseur with the shingles and the bout was scrapped altogether.

Chiesa next fought Anton Kuivanen on February 23, 2013, at UFC 157.

Chiesa submitted Kuivanen with a rear-naked choke in the second round.

Chiesa was expected to face Reza Madadi on July 27, 2013, at UFC on Fox 8.

However, on May 14, 2013, it was announced Madadi was pulled from the bout due to visa issues.

Chiesa instead faced Jorge Masvidal.

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.

Chiesa next faced Ultimate Fighter winner Colton Smith on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.

He won the fight via submission in the second round.

The win also earned Chiesa his second Submission of the Night bonus award.

Chiesa faced Francisco Trinaldo at UFC 173 on May 24, 2014.

He won the fight via unanimous decision.

Chiesa faced Joe Lauzon on September 5, 2014, at UFC Fight Night 50.

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.

The performance earned both participants Fight of the Night honors.