LAS VEGAS – [autotag]Michael Chiesa[/autotag] is putting any dialogue about a potential retirement behind him and setting some lofty goals for himself after UFC 310.
After a three-fight losing skid from 2021-2023 that left questions about the state of his career, Chiesa (18-7 MMA, 13-7 UFC) has righted the ship this year. He submitted Tony Ferguson in August before becoming the first in MMA to tap out Max Griffin (20-11 MMA, 8-9 UFC) this past Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
With some momentum back on his side, the 37-year-old is reinvigorated. Chiesa stopped Griffin with his seventh rear-naked choke win in UFC competition, which trails only Demian Maia (nine) for most all-time in company history.
Chiesa said surpassing Maia is now one of his primary goals, and if he’s able to move toward that, it will parlay into greater overall movement in the welterweight division.
“I saw that I tied Kenny Florian with seven rear-naked choke finishes – now I’ve got to chase down the great Demian Maia and try to get past nine,” Chiesa told MMA Junkie and other reporters post-fight at UFC 310. “It just created another little goal for me. Obviously the goal remains the same for me. I want to be the world champion, otherwise what’s the point of fighting? If you don’t think you’re the best in the world, if you’re not going to chase the title, what the hell are you doing it for?”
Chiesa said his victory at UFC 310 will go down as one of the most memorable of his career. Not because of the opponent, but because of the multiple unique circumstances around it.
“It’s been a very special 24 hours for me,” Chiesa said. “I’m not going to lie. Between getting my black belt (on Friday night) and getting a submission win on my birthday, I don’t think I’ll ever have a better 24-hour stretch in my life outside of my wedding. I’m very, very happy with my performance.”
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For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.