LAS VEGAS – Michael Chiesa is placing any dialogue a few potential retirement behind him and setting some lofty targets for himself after UFC 310.
After a three-fight dropping skid from 2021-2023 that left questions concerning the state of his profession, Chiesa (18-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) has righted the ship this 12 months. He submitted Tony Ferguson in August earlier than turning into the first in MMA to faucet out Max Griffin (20-11 MMA, 8-9 UFC) this previous Saturday at T-Cell Area.
With some momentum again on his facet, the 37-year-old is reinvigorated. Chiesa stopped Griffin together with his seventh rear-naked choke win in UFC competitors, which trails solely Demian Maia (9) for many all-time in firm historical past.
Chiesa stated surpassing Maia is now one in all his major targets, and if he’s in a position to transfer towards that, it is going to parlay into better general motion within the welterweight division.
“I noticed that I tied Kenny Florian with seven rear-naked choke finishes – now I’ve bought to chase down the good Demian Maia and attempt to get previous 9,” Chiesa instructed MMA Junkie and different reporters post-fight at UFC 310. “It simply created one other little aim for me. Clearly the aim stays the identical for me. I wish to be the world champion, in any other case what’s the purpose of preventing? If you happen to don’t suppose you’re the most effective on this planet, should you’re not going to chase the title, what the hell are you doing it for?”
Chiesa stated his victory at UFC 310 will go down as probably the most memorable of his profession. Not due to the opponent, however due to the a number of distinctive circumstances round it.
“It’s been a really particular 24 hours for me,” Chiesa stated. “I’m not going to lie. Between getting my black belt (on Friday evening) and getting a submission win on my birthday, I don’t suppose I’ll ever have a greater 24-hour stretch in my life outdoors of my wedding ceremony. I’m very, very pleased with my efficiency.”
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