Michael Chiesa’s unbeaten run is over. The TUF 15 champion, fighting in his hometown of Seattle, stepped up in opponent level to fight cagey veteran Jorge Masvidal at UFC on FOX 8.
According to Masvidal, the fight was personal, referencing an insult that Chiesa allegedly paid to one of his teammates. Consider his teammate avenged. Masvidal overcame a few shaky moments in the first round and seized control in the second, eventually forcing a tapout via D’arce choke at 4:59 of the second round.
More Coverage: UFC on FOX 8 Results | UFC news
Download MMA Fighting iPhone App
Even in defeat, Chiesa (9-1) showed signs of improvement, particularly with his striking. Known primarily as a grappler, Chiesa threw some impressive combinations and at one point of the first round, knocked Masvidal down with a left hand. Chiesa attempted to finish, but Masvidal covered up on the ground, recovered quickly and got back to his feet.
Masvidal started to turn the momentum shortly thereafter, showing his impressive standup skills.
In the second, Masvidal showed he could hang with Chiesa on the ground as well, at one point threatening with a guillotine.
The finishing sequence came after Chiesa missed a high kick and then went to his back. Masvidal kept that top position and eventually, a scramble led to Chiesa turtled, where Masvidal landed a knee to the body and then closed him out with the D’arce.
Masvidal (25-7) is now 2-0 since coming over to the UFC.