Since joining the UFC’s welterweight division after eleven fights at lightweight, Michael Chiesa has been on a roll. Maverick has won four in a row, ending a two-fight skid. He beat Neil Magny at UFC on ESPN 20 on Wednesday in a one-sided contest, using his striking and grappling ability. Ranked number eight in the UFC’s welterweight rankings, Chiesa has a real chance at cracking the top five.
With impressive win after impressive win, the sky is the limit for Chiesa. Who’s next for the 33-year-old? There are a lot of options for him in the rankings, with a win bringing him to the doorstep of UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman. Matchups that can excite will bring people in, but that aspect should be mixed with smart battles.
Who will end up sharing the Octagon with Chiesa?
The callout by Chiesa
After his win in Abu Dhabi, Chiesa called out former UFC interim welterweight champion Colby Covington. It coincided with Inauguration Day when Joe Biden became the President of the United States. Known for his gimmick of supporting former President Donald Trump, Covington has made a few enemies in MMA. Chiesa is ready to face a fighter who continues to use his platform to call out anyone in his path.
"I want two more fights this year, I want to end this year as the number one contender."
-Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) calls out Colby Covington and lays out what he wants 2021 to look like🔊⬆️#InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi
All #UFCFightIsland8 results: https://t.co/Sa9aWDGPQt pic.twitter.com/WxH8noN5XA
— UFC News (@UFCNews) January 20, 2021
Covington lost to Usman for the title but would beat Tyron Woodley this past September. The former Div I All American wrestler is the perfect matchup for Chiesa, according to the latter.
Because he’s the toughest matchup for me, Chiesa stated following his fight, via MMA Fighting. Stylistically, that guy should beat me on any given Sunday. From a physical standpoint, from a mental warfare standpoint, there’s not a lot of boxes you can check that favor me for that fight.
But how can I say I want to be a champion if I don’t want to fight these guys? Sometimes the best guys are the ones that are the toughest for you stylistically. So when I look at the top-five, I think that’s the hardest fight for me. We’ll see what happens. If I come up short, I come up short but I want the best so I’ve got to fight the best and that’s the guy.
As of now, Covington has been rumored to face Jorge Masvidal. Nothing is official yet, however, which gives Chiesa some hope.
Have no fear…
If Chiesa can’t take on the top fighter from the division, he can certainly take on a man holding down the fifth spot.
Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson is currently on a two-fight win streak and is 3-2 in his last five fights. His last fight was in December, beating Geoff Neal for his second Unanimous Decision win in a row. The former title contender has shown interest in Leon Edwards, but he is busy with Khamzat Chimaev.
With no opponent in sight, Chiesa could be a logical opponent for Thompson. Chiesa has even told Submission Radio that he believes that’s a logical fight to make.
Chimaev – Edwards winner
It has been a long and strange journey to get to Leon Edwards v. Khamzat Chimaev. Edwards (#3) hasn’t fought since July 2019 and is on an eight-fight winning streak. Chimaev (#15) won three fights in 2020 in record-breaking fashion, all on short notice. Due to injuries and each contracting COVID-19, the fight has been delayed several times.
It's official! 📝
🏴 Edwards 🆚 Chimaev 🇸🇪
This fight was just too good not to make again!
Roll on March 13th 🙌 pic.twitter.com/saCt45XQFi
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) January 20, 2021
If Chimaev beats Edwards (if they ever fight), that would propel him to the top of the rankings. Where that leaves Edwards is unknown. If both fighters are ahead of him in the rankings after, Chiesa would most likely take on whoever he sees as the better fight. With Chimaev being the hotter fighter, he may want to strike while the iron is hot.
Other options for Chiesa
Gilbert Burns is getting a shot against Usman, so he is out of the picture. There is a chance Chiesa moves ahead of Woodley and Demian Maia in the rankings. Those two could end up becoming a true challenge for him, given their resumes.
A wanted man
Chiesa is putting targets on people’s backs, but they are doing the same to him. Momentum is building, and the UFC can see he won’t be able to be denied a shot when he has proven himself time and time again.
Keep an eye on the welterweight division, as Chiesa has quickly turned the division upside down.
