Michael Chiesa Fights for Spokane and His Legacy at UFC Atlanta
As UFC Atlanta draws near, all eyes might be on the main card featuring Kamaru Usman and Joaquin Buckley, but let me take a moment to highlight one name that should not fly under your radar—Michael Chiesa. Yes, “The Maverick” is back, and he’s not just fighting for a win—he’s fighting for Spokane, his roots, and the legacy he’s building every time he steps into the Octagon.
Now at 37 years old, Chiesa is deep into his fight journey, but don’t let the number fool you. He’s as hungry as ever. With a professional record of 20-7, he’s no stranger to highs and lows, and he carries every experience into the cage. Despite some people writing him off after his loss to Kevin Holland two years ago—where Holland even called for his retirement—Chiesa kept grinding. He didn’t just prove the doubters wrong, he silenced them. Back-to-back submission wins over veterans like Tony Ferguson and Max Griffin reignited the flame and reminded the world that Chiesa isn’t done—not by a long shot.
Also Read:- Malcolm Wellmaker Eyes Another Statement Win at UFC on ESPN 69
- Should the Maple Leafs Take a Swing at Sam Bennett?
What makes this fight so special is Chiesa’s loyalty to where it all started. While so many fighters move away from their hometowns to chase better training or facilities, Chiesa stayed put. Spokane is home, and it’s the heart behind everything he does. As he puts it, he’s not just fighting for himself—he’s fighting for his family, his team, and for Spokane. That kind of dedication speaks volumes.
His upcoming bout against Court McGee isn’t just a filler on the prelims; it’s a clash of veterans, both with extensive grappling backgrounds. But don’t let the “prelims” label fool you—this could easily be one of the most technical and hard-fought battles of the night. Chiesa has put a massive focus on his wrestling in this camp, training with high-level talent in his hometown, and he says his ground game is sharper than it’s ever been. The guy is part of a 6 a.m. wrestling crew that has elevated his grappling to another level. That says a lot for someone who already has 13 submission wins under his belt.
Standing at 6'1", Chiesa will also enjoy a slight height advantage over McGee, though both share an identical reach. With his strategic preparation and his mental edge—bolstered by his UFC analyst experience—Chiesa is entering this fight not just in peak physical form, but mentally sharp as well.
So as we get ready for UFC Atlanta, let’s not just talk about the main card fireworks. Keep your eyes on Michael Chiesa. This isn’t just another fight on the prelims—it’s a mission. A mission to prove he still belongs, to represent the city that raised him, and to walk out of that cage with his hand raised—once again, for Spokane.
Read More:
0 Comments