UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa has a new target in pursuit after another triumphant performance in the Octagon against Max Griffin.
After Michael Chiesa was initially on the verge of retirement, he secured his second straight victory by submitting Max Griffin at UFC 310. For the seventh time in his career, Chiesa sealed the deal with a rear-naked choke, leaving him got closer to the top of the peak. UFC's all-time RNC list.
Chiesa has had an up-and-down stint in the UFC since winning The Ultimate Fighter 15. While a title shot remains out of immediate reach, Chiesa has answered calls to walk away with back-to-back impressive performances.
Chiesa, who has a budding career in broadcasting ahead of him once he retires from fighting, doesn't want to hang up the gloves until he completes an all-time great submission win.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chiesa takes aim at Demian Maia's RNC record after UFC 310
During his UFC 310 post-fight press conference, Chiesa focused on eclipsing Demian Maia's record that is now within reach.
“I just saw myself pinning Kenny Florian with seven rear choke finishes. Now I have to chase the great Demian Maia and try to get past nine o'clock,” Chiesa said. “It's cool to create another little goal for me, I'm just standing outside waiting to get in here when I read that.”
Chiesa further clarified that he is still aiming to become a UFC World Champion despite being in the latter stages of his career and outside the Top 15, at the time of writing. His win over Griffin might have been enough to make a case for a Top 15 spot after UFC 310.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Michael Chiesa delays retirement with back-to-back UFC wins
Before UFC 310, Chiesa presented former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson at UFC Abu Dhabi earlier this year. It marks the first time since 2016 that Chiesa has recorded back-to-back victories by rear-naked choke since defeating Jim Miller and Beneil Dariush at lightweight.
One of the greatest submission artists in UFC history, Maia was released after a loss to current champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 263. He submitted the likes of Ben Askren, Carlos Condit and Neil Magny during his promotional stint via backwards constriction.
Chiesa is one of the few rear naked choke aces to find continued success in modern mixed martial arts. Following his victory at UFC 310, Chiesa called for a spot on the upcoming UFC Fight Night card in Seattle, just hours away from his home in Spokane.
Chiesa and Maia are two of the most dangerous wrestlers in UFC history. After another triumphant performance, Chiesa has Maia in the center of his sights as he attempts to add another accolade to his resume.
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