Tag: Michael Chiesa

Four Hidden Storylines For ‘UFC on FOX 8: Johnson vs. Moraga’

By Adam Martin

There’s often so much going on during UFC on FOX events that some of the more intriguing storylines get lost amongst all the glamour and glitz of network television. Here are four important themes surrounding UFC on FOX 8: Johnson vs. Moraga that have been flying under the radar heading into this weekend’s show. Let us know what you think, and be sure to come back to CagePotato.com this Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT for our liveblog of the main card.

Is UFC On FOX 8 Make Or Break For The Flyweights?

UFC on FOX 8 is headlined by the flyweight title fight between reigning champion Demetrious Johnson and challenger John Moraga, and it’s a fight that could help the flyweight division explode if it’s exciting — or hold the division back if it’s a bore.

The last time that 125-pounders headlined an event was at UFC on FOX 6, when Johnson defended his title against John Dodson. The match won “Fight of the Night,” but that might not be the first thing that fans think of when they remember the event. Instead, they think of Anthony Pettis’s body kick KO of Donald Cerrone, or (for less positive reasons) Rampage Jackson’s last Octagon fight against Glover Teixeira.

It may be because flyweight fights so often go to decision, and the fans, especially casual fans, love to see knockouts and submissions. But it’s rare to see true KO power among 125-pound fighters, and the fact that flyweights tend to be extremely quick and nimble makes it harder for submissions to get locked in.

Demetrious Johnson certainly fits this stereotype, as he’s managed to go 27 rounds in his UFC career without securing a single stoppage victory. But Moraga has been an exception to the rule. Both of his Octagon appearances have ended in pleasingly violent finishes. Unfortunately, those finishes — a knockout of Ulysses Gomez at UFC on FOX 4 and a guillotine-choke submission of Chris Cariaso at UFC 155  — were both buried on the opening preliminary bouts of the cards they were on. In other words, even if you attended those events in person, you might have missed them. Despite being a title challenger in a main event fight on FOX, Moraga is still a stranger to most fans.

By Adam Martin

There’s often so much going on during UFC on FOX events that some of the more intriguing storylines get lost amongst all the glamour and glitz of network television. Here are four important themes surrounding UFC on FOX 8: Johnson vs. Moraga that have been flying under the radar heading into this weekend’s show. Let us know what you think, and be sure to come back to CagePotato.com this Saturday night at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT for our liveblog of the main card.

Is UFC on FOX 8 Make or Break for the Flyweights?

UFC on FOX 8 is headlined by the flyweight title fight between reigning champion Demetrious Johnson and challenger John Moraga, and it’s a fight that could help the flyweight division explode if it’s exciting — or hold the division back if it’s a bore.

The last time that 125-pounders headlined an event was at UFC on FOX 6, when Johnson defended his title against John Dodson. The match won “Fight of the Night,” but that might not be the first thing that fans think of when they remember the event. Instead, they think of Anthony Pettis’s body kick KO of Donald Cerrone, or (for less positive reasons) Rampage Jackson’s last Octagon fight against Glover Teixeira.

It may be because flyweight fights so often go to decision, and the fans, especially casual fans, love to see knockouts and submissions. But it’s rare to see true KO power among 125-pound fighters, and the fact that flyweights tend to be extremely quick and nimble makes it harder for submissions to get locked in.

Demetrious Johnson certainly fits this stereotype, as he’s managed to go 27 rounds in his UFC career without securing a single stoppage victory. But Moraga has been an exception to the rule. Both of his Octagon appearances have ended in pleasingly violent finishes. Unfortunately, those finishes — a knockout of Ulysses Gomez at UFC on FOX 4 and a guillotine-choke submission of Chris Cariaso at UFC 155  — were both buried on the opening preliminary bouts of the cards they were on. In other words, even if you attended those events in person, you might have missed them. Despite being a title challenger in a main event fight on FOX, Moraga is still a stranger to most fans.

Johnson and Moraga are definitely under pressure to perform this weekend. If the fight ends in a boring, five-round unanimous decision, I don’t think the fans are going to be buying the flyweights going forward — and the UFC is already planning to have them headlining pay-per-views in the future. But if the fight ends in a spectacular finish? That could be the first step towards real interest in the division.

It’s make-or-break time for the flyweights at UFC on FOX 8. Now let’s see if they’re up for the challenge.

Will Rory MacDonald Be the Man to Dethrone Georges St-Pierre?

Canadian Rory MacDonald, who just turned 24, is quickly moving up the welterweight ranks, and a fight between MacDonald and UFC welterweight champion Georges St-Pierre is going to be bandied about should “Ares” win in impressive fashion against Jake Ellenberger this weekend in the co-main event of UFC on FOX 8.

Of course, there’s a big problem with that matchup and it’s the fact that MacDonald and St-Pierre are longtime teammates and friends at TriStar Gym in Montreal. As MacDonald recently said on The MMA Hour: “We’re not fighting. Me and Georges are friends, we’re training partners. We’ll have our own arrangements and figure it all out when the time comes. It’s not going to come to us fighting.”

Then again, money has a way of changing people’s minds. (See also: “I back.“) Right now, there are only a few fresh contenders left for St-Pierre at welterweight: Johny Hendricks, who GSP faces next at UFC 167 in November; Ellenberger, who may get a title shot with a win over MacDonald; Demian Maia, who is quickly moving up the 170-pound ladder; Erick Silva, who the UFC would love to fast-track to a title shot thanks to his growing popularity in Brazil; and MacDonald, the quiet Canadian with a killer’s glare in his eyes.

After watching MacDonald embarrass BJ Penn, Che Mills, Mike Pyle, Nate Diaz and Mike Guymon, and put up a hell of a fight against Carlos Condit, MacDonald could be the UFC welterweight champion in a few years. It’s not Hendricks or Ellenberger or Maia who has the potential to take the belt away from St-Pierre, it’s the young Canuck MacDonald, and he can solidify his position as heir to the welterweight throne with a victory over Ellenberger this weekend.

Michael Chiesa: From TUF Winner To Potential Lightweight Contender

Michael Chiesa has one of the best stories in sports, but the UFC has done a terrible job promoting him even though he is on his way to becoming a contender in the lightweight division.

Just days after entering the TUF 15 house, Chiesa’s father passed away, but instead of letting the tragedy paralyze him, Chiesa instead used it for strength, and ended up running the table by defeating all of his opponents on his way to capturing the Ultimate Fighter crown. Not bad for a 25-year-old from Spokane, Washington.

After defeating Anton Kuivanen at UFC 157 in his first post-TUF fight in the UFC, Chiesa is now 9-0 as a professional (with seven of those wins by submission inside the first two rounds) and he takes his undefeated record into the cage this weekend in a lightweight battle against Jorge Masvidal that headlines the FX prelims.

It’s obvious the UFC sees the tremendous talents that Chiesa has, and wants to test him against a tough opponent like Masvidal. And it’s a fight that, if he wins, will move Chiesa up from the list of TUF winners who never amount to much to that rare class of TUF winners who have a legitimate shot of holding a UFC title.

Look for Chiesa to use the hometown crowd to his advantage this weekend as he attempts to overcome the odds yet again and take out the far-more experienced Masvidal. And if he does, look for Chiesa to be fighting someone in the top 10 in his next fight, something which seemed unthinkable just over a year ago when the scraggly, lanky, Cody McKenzie-lookalike who no one ever gave a chance first appeared on the UFC’s reality show.

Aaron Riley’s Last Stand 

It’s possible that one of the pioneers of the sport will be competing in his last mixed martial arts bout this weekend, as veteran Aaron Riley returns from a two-year injury layoff to take on Justin Salas on the Facebook prelims of UFC on FOX 8.

The owner of a 30-13-1 MMA record, Riley has been competing in the sport since 1997, and despite having an up-and-down career he’s somehow managed to keep a job with the top fighting promotion in the world. It’s a testament to the excitement he always delivers in the cage and his will to overcome injuries and continue on with his career when it likely made more sense to retire, especially following broken jaws in his fights against Ross Pearson and Tony Ferguson.

Whenever I look at a fighter’s record and I see that they’ve fought for promotions like HOOKnSHOOT (watch his epic fights with Yves Edwards if you haven’t already), Shooto and PRIDE, I automatically develop a higher level of respect for them. These are the types of fighters who set the table for the thousands that followed. It’s guys like Riley who are the reason that many young men and women around the world realized they could make a living out of doing what they love to do — being a mixed martial artist.

Hopefully it’s not the end of Riley’s career this weekend, but with another loss, his UFC record would drop to 3-6 and that’s likely not good enough to stick around any longer. For a guy who first appeared in the Octagon at UFC 37 in 2002, Riley has nothing to be ashamed of if this is truly the last time we see him fight. But let’s not count him out just yet.

Fight-Shuffling of the Day: Jorge Masvidal Replaces Reza Madadi Against Michael Chiesa at UFC on Fox 8


(Jorge Masvidal, a man after our own heart | Photo CombatLifestyle)

Undefeated TUF 15 champion Michael Chiesa will now face former Strikeforce lightweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal on the UFC on Fox 8 card which goes down on July 27th in Seattle, WA. Chiesa was originally scheduled to face Swedish submission machine Reza Madadi until visa issues forced him out of the bout this week. Seems to be a lot of that going around…

The news was broken on Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight program last night. Chiesa is coming off of a submission win this past February at UFC 157 and Masvidal most recently fought and won three weeks ago in his UFC debut at UFC on Fox 7.

UFC on Fox 8 is headlined by a flyweight title bout between champion Demetrious Johnson and John Moraga, as well as a welterweight bout between top contenders Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger.

The Chiesa/Masvidal fight is an interesting one because of what a big opportunity it is for both guys. Masvidal gets a big name in just his second UFC bout and a chance to become more known to fans. Chiesa’s opportunity is more of personal growth than anything, since it is a chance for him to fight a super tough veteran of the division and see how he stacks up – though with the negative being that only niche fans really know how good Masvidal is.

Who ya got, Nation? “GameBred” or “The Fighting Hippie?”

– Elias Cepeda


(Jorge Masvidal, a man after our own heart | Photo CombatLifestyle)

Undefeated TUF 15 champion Michael Chiesa will now face former Strikeforce lightweight title challenger Jorge Masvidal on the UFC on Fox 8 card which goes down on July 27th in Seattle, WA. Chiesa was originally scheduled to face Swedish submission machine Reza Madadi until visa issues forced him out of the bout this week. Seems to be a lot of that going around…

The news was broken on Fuel TV’s UFC Tonight program last night. Chiesa is coming off of a submission win this past February at UFC 157 and Masvidal most recently fought and won three weeks ago in his UFC debut at UFC on Fox 7.

UFC on Fox 8 is headlined by a flyweight title bout between champion Demetrious Johnson and John Moraga, as well as a welterweight bout between top contenders Rory MacDonald and Jake Ellenberger.

The Chiesa/Masvidal fight is an interesting one because of what a big opportunity it is for both guys. Masvidal gets a big name in just his second UFC bout and a chance to become more known to fans. Chiesa’s opportunity is more of personal growth than anything, since it is a chance for him to fight a super tough veteran of the division and see how he stacks up – though with the negative being that only niche fans really know how good Masvidal is.

Who ya got, Nation? “GameBred” or “The Fighting Hippie?”

– Elias Cepeda

Spencer Fisher vs. Yves Edwards, Michael Chiesa vs. Reza Madadi Booked for UFC on FOX 8 in July


(The plaque is nice and all, but Chiesa would have gladly entered the TUF 15 tournament for two dollars.)

Although we can’t exactly accuse Spencer Fisher of violating our ban on MMA fighters retiring only to immediately unretire, he came about as close as humanly possible when he told various media outlets that his trilogy-completing fight with Sam Stout at UFC on FX 4 last June would probably be his last. As we originally remarked, it seemed about as fitting an end to his MMA career as Fisher could have asked for — his pair of previous fights with Stout had not only fueled an intense rivalry between the two (not on the level of Paraguay vs. Uruguay, but still), but had earned the duo Fight of the Night honors on two separate occasions. That he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss should not have cheapened the significance of the moment, at least in our minds.

In either case, it appears that Fisher is not quite ready to call it quits, as he has been booked to face fellow UFC vet Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8, which transpires from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington on July 27th. Fisher has dropped 5 of his last 6 contests, whereas Edwards has gone win-loss in his last 5 fights and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Strikeforce newcomer Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC 156. For Fisher’s sake, we hope he wins this, because ending your career on your own terms sure beats joining the And Now He’s Fired club.

And now let’s address the possible person of interest pictured above, who has also been booked for UFC on FOX 8…


(The plaque is nice and all, but Chiesa would have gladly entered the TUF 15 tournament for two dollars.)

Although we can’t exactly accuse Spencer Fisher of violating our ban on MMA fighters retiring only to immediately unretire, he came about as close as humanly possible when he told various media outlets that his trilogy-completing fight with Sam Stout at UFC on FX 4 last June would probably be his last. As we originally remarked, it seemed about as fitting an end to his MMA career as Fisher could have asked for — his pair of previous fights with Stout had not only fueled an intense rivalry between the two (not on the level of Paraguay vs. Uruguay, but still), but had earned the duo Fight of the Night honors on two separate occasions. That he suffered a razor-thin split decision loss should not have cheapened the significance of the moment, at least in our minds.

In either case, it appears that Fisher is not quite ready to call it quits, as he has been booked to face fellow UFC vet Yves Edwards at UFC on FOX 8, which transpires from the KeyArena in Seattle, Washington on July 27th. Fisher has dropped 5 of his last 6 contests, whereas Edwards has gone win-loss in his last 5 fights and is coming off a unanimous decision loss to Strikeforce newcomer Isaac Vallie-Flagg at UFC 156. For Fisher’s sake, we hope he wins this, because ending your career on your own terms sure beats joining the And Now He’s Fired club.

And now let’s address the possible person of interest pictured above, who has also been booked for UFC on FOX 8…

Since making mincemeat of his three opponents during his run on the fifteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter, Michael Chiesa has collected two straight victories in the octagon via rear-naked choke (sound familiar?). Although he’s heard a fair share of criticism in regards to his standup game (again), Chiesa’s smothering Jiu-Jitsu attack has been the kiss of death for all of his opponents thus far in his MMA career.

Unfortunately for Chiesa, he’ll be facing an equally dangerous submission artist when he takes on Swedish prospect Reza Madadi, also at UFC on FOX 8. Like Chiesa, Madadi has collected both of his octagon victories via submission and is coming off a third round, come-from-behind Brabo choke victory over TUF something-or-other runner-up Michael Johnson at UFC on FUEL 9. 

Who do you like for this pair of lightweight battles, Potato Nation?

–J. Jones

‘TUF Live’ Winner Michael Chiesa Pulls Out of ‘UFC on Fox 5? Due to Undisclosed Illness


(Props: facebook.com/MichaelChiesaUFC)

Just days after UFC on Fox 5 lost its originally scheduled heavyweight bout between Brendan Schaub and Lavar Johnson when Johnson backed out due to a groin-pull, the December 8th event has lost another high-profile prelim match on short notice. The UFC announced yesterday that lightweight Michael Chiesa has been forced to withdraw from his fight against Marcus LeVesseur.

“Less than a week out from his backyard bout, Seattle’s Michael Chiesa has been forced to withdraw from UFC on FOX due to illness. The TUF Live season winner had been first slated to fight Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rafaello ‘Tractor’ Oliveira, then lightweight Marcus LeVesseur when Oliveira was injured,” UFC.com reported.

The particular illness was not disclosed but one imagines that Chiesa would have to be awfully jacked-up to pull out of such a huge fight for himself. It would have been Chiesa’s first UFC bout since winning TUF Live at the series’ finale show last June, and he would have been fighting in front of his hometown fans in Seattle, on a FX-televised platform before a monster FOX event.


(Props: facebook.com/MichaelChiesaUFC)

Just days after UFC on Fox 5 lost its originally scheduled heavyweight bout between Brendan Schaub and Lavar Johnson when Johnson backed out due to a groin-pull, the December 8th event has lost another high-profile prelim match on short notice. The UFC announced yesterday that lightweight Michael Chiesa has been forced to withdraw from his fight against Marcus LeVesseur.

“Less than a week out from his backyard bout, Seattle’s Michael Chiesa has been forced to withdraw from UFC on FOX due to illness. The TUF Live season winner had been first slated to fight Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belt Rafaello ‘Tractor’ Oliveira, then lightweight Marcus LeVesseur when Oliveira was injured,” UFC.com reported.

The particular illness was not disclosed but one imagines that Chiesa would have to be awfully jacked-up to pull out of such a huge fight for himself. It would have been Chiesa’s first UFC bout since winning TUF Live at the series’ finale show last June, and he would have been fighting in front of his hometown fans in Seattle, on a FX-televised platform before a monster FOX event.

Its all fun and games when Strikeforce events go to crap because everyone in the freaking world is injured at the same time. But MMA needs the UFC to do well on Fox. Get well, soon, Maverick. We hope that UFC on Fox on 5 doesn’t lose any more bouts or else they may have trouble filling their Facebook, FX, and Fox slots.

At this point, it appears that Saturday’s FX prelim broadcast will proceed with just four bouts, most notably the re-scheduled lightweight contest between Jeremy Stephens and Yves Edwards.

– Elias Cepeda

‘The Ultimate Fighter: Live’ Finale — Round-by-Round Results & Commentary


(Brookins and Chiesa will be fighting hard for the UFC’s new “Filthiest Hair” bonus. / Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle. For more photos from this gallery, click here.)

The UFC’s first experiment in “jive live” comes to an end tonight, as Team Faber lightweights Michael Chiesa and Al Iaquinta do battle for the TUF 15 trophy on FX. But wait, it gets better: Jake Ellenberger will be putting his six-fight win streak on the line against perennial welterweight contender Martin Kampmann in the main event, while TUF 12 winner Jonathan Brookins meets up with submission whiz Charles Oliveira in a featherweight feature.

Since he’s been recapping the season for us anyway, Elias Cepeda is back to handle liveblog duties for this evening. Round-by-round results from the Ultimate Fighter Live Finale main card broadcast will be collecting after the jump starting at 9 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please, no comment-section lurking; if you’ve got something to say, share it with the class.


(Brookins and Chiesa will be fighting hard for the UFC’s new “Filthiest Hair” bonus. / Photo courtesy of CombatLifestyle. For more photos from this gallery, click here.)

The UFC’s first experiment in “jive live” comes to an end tonight, as Team Faber lightweights Michael Chiesa and Al Iaquinta do battle for the TUF 15 trophy on FX. But wait, it gets better: Jake Ellenberger will be putting his six-fight win streak on the line against perennial welterweight contender Martin Kampmann in the main event, while TUF 12 winner Jonathan Brookins meets up with submission whiz Charles Oliveira in a featherweight feature.

Since he’s been recapping the season for us anyway, Elias Cepeda is back to handle liveblog duties for this evening. Round-by-round results from the Ultimate Fighter Live Finale main card broadcast will be collecting after the jump starting at 9 p.m. ET. Refresh the page every few minutes for all the latest, and please, no comment-section lurking; if you’ve got something to say, share it with the class.

Sorry for the delay, folks – my cable went out. We are in the second round of John Cofer vs. Justin Lawrence now.

We pick up the action midway through the 2nd…

Both men are swinging big and in combinations each time and are showing fatigue. Overhand right from Lawrence finishes up a combination that includes leg kicks. Lawrence gets inside with punches, they clinch up, Cofer lands a knee to the head.

Cofer takes Lawrence’s back while standing and suplexes the kid. Cofer takes Lawrence’s back on the feet and works him into a face-down position and looks for the rear naked choke. Lawrence escapes, stands up and jumps into the full guard. Round ends.

Round 3

Lawrence lands a foot kick straight to the jaw of Cofer as he backs away and knocks him out cold!

“I’m here in the UFC and I’m here to stay,” Lawrence declares.

Max Halloway vs. Pat Schilling

Rd 1

Halloway with his hands low, Schilling shoots in for a single leg, switches to a high crotch but Halloway defends well. Schilling contines to press in, backs Halloway against the cage. Schilling hits a single leg but Halloway gets right back to his feet. Schilling lands a left kick, Halloway lands a body kick.

Halloway lands a long jab. Schilling shoots in but gets stuffed. Schilling rushes in with uppercuts that miss. Schilling throws a spinning back fist. Halloway throws a head kick that is blocked. Halloway trying to mix in left hooks to the body in and they are landing. Halloway misses a flying knee, lands a leg kick and  head kick.

Schilling rushes in with uppercuts and hooks again, all miss. He shoots in from too far away and Halloway sprawls and stands. Schilling lands the cross of a one-two combo. Schilling shoots for a double leg against the cage with ten seconds left, he rolls for a knee bar at the close of the round and it ends with him extending Halloway’s leg. Saved by the bell?

Rd 2

Halloway lands an overhand right. Schilling ducks down, Halloway throws and misses another flying knee. Schilling doesn’t get the take down, they are back on their feet. Halloway starting to find his range with punches to Schilling’s head.

Schilling half commits to a take down attempt after getting hurt on the feet. Halloway separates and they are back on their feet. Halloway just unloading on Schilling now with punches and knees. Schilling absorbs shots, backs away and then circles out before another half-hearted shot. Halloway lands another two body punches and then an over hand right to Schilling’s head as Schilling shoots.

Schilling shoots, gets stuffed and has trouble getting up to his feet. The body shots have appeared to have really taken Schilling’s spirit. Schilling shoots for an ankle pick and gets stuffed again. Schilling is hurt but has the presence of mind to keep his hands up and to try to circle away when he can.

Halloway hurts Schilling again with body shots, his hands drop and his mouth opens. He shoots for another take down, gets nothing. Schilling lands a spinning back first but then eats a check counter left hand. Halloway drops Schilling with punches against the cage and tees off on him as the bell sounds. This time Schilling is saved by the bell

Rd 3

Jon Anik mentions that Schilling told his corner that his right shoulder is injured. Halloway throws rapid-fire jabs that land. Schilling counters with a big right cross that lands on Halloway’s head. Schilling tries to get a head and arm control from the feet, Halloway backs away. Schilling shoots low for a take down and whiffs.

Halloway taunts Schilling, Schilling throws a spinning back fist  followed by a side kick. Both are blocked. Halloway lands a left kick to Schilling’s body. Halloway lands a stiff jab, and another. A left hook, right cross punch combo from Halloway that drops Schilling. Halloway refuses to go down to the ground to try and finish and they are back on their feet with under a minute left. Halloway with a left hook to the body and right cross to the head. Halloway attempts a jump-off-the-cage spinning back kick. He rushes Schilling with punches and kicks. Halloway attempts a jumping spinning back kick, misses and the fight finishes.

Official decision is next.

All three judges scored the fight 30-27 for Halloway. The youngest fighter currently on the UFC roster says he wanted to show that he “belonged in the UFC.” He clearly does.

Jonathan Brookins vs. Charles Oliveira 

Rd 1

Oliveira working kicks to the leg and body. Brookins gets inside and lands some nice dirty boxing punches to the head. Oliveira lands some hard knees to the body from the Thai plum. Oliveira misses a knee to the head and Brookins slips under and gets a double leg take down against the cage. Oliveira works a high guard and shoots an arm bar up at Brookins. Brookins defends and stands up.

They are both on their feet. Brookins lands a straight cross. Oliveira has Brookins backed against the cage now and Brookins’ chin starts to come up. Oliveira lands a huge over hand right that hurts Brookins.

Brookins gathers himself but still has his chin up and hands low as they stand up. He is eating punch after punch to the chin from Oliveira. Still, Brookins hanging tough. He starts to eat leg kicks to the inside and outside of his lead leg. Oliveira misses with a flying knee, Brookins catches a leg but fails to use it to score a take down.

Rd 2

Kenny Florian uses his multilingual skills to tell us that Oliveira’s corner was telling their fighter that Brookins has no hands, during the break. Brookins comes out hard, gets to work with slaps, yes slaps, to the head of Oliveira. The Brazilian responds with punches to the head. The punches look like they hurt more.

Brookins changes levels for another take down attempt, Oliveira gets a body lock of his own and lands a slam take down of his own. Brookins tries to lock in a guillotine choke but Oliveira escapes. Oliveira stands up, lands some short elbows to Brookins’ head as the tUF 12 winner tries to stand up. Oliveira locks in an arm-in guillotine from a D’arce grip, falls back into his own guard and gets the tap out win.

Oliveira with the 2nd-round submission win over Brookins.

Time for the TUF finale, nation!

Michael Chiesa vs. Al Iaquinta

Rd 1

Iaquinta immediately lands two big right hands. Al catches a leg kick from Mike and throws some punches. Chiesa shoots for a single, Al goes down but gets back to his feet. Al pushes the pace.

Mike finishes a punch combo with a leg kick that is caught. Al goes for a take down but Mike gets his back and drags him down to the mat. Chiesa with Al’s back, face-up, working for a rear naked choke with nearly three minutes left in the round. Chiesa gets the choke, Al refuses to tap and goes to sleep!

Michael Chiesa finishes up the most dramatic story in TUF history by winning the entire season in impressive fashion just weeks after the death of his father. Amazing.

And, oh yeah, Chiesa wins a sweet Harley.

“It has been such a journey…no way I was going to lose this fight,” Mike says.

Jake Ellenberger vs. Martin Kampmann in a welterweight title challenger eliminator, or something.

Kampann comes out to Three-6 Mafia. I love it. Danish crunk rap, ftw. Ellenberger goes with the more tried and true inspirational “Till I collapse,” by Eminem.

Rd 1

The pair feel each other out with no strikes or shots taken for the first twenty seconds or so. Ellenberger lands a huge left hand flush to the jaw of Kampmann. The Dane looks to be out but hangs on somehow through a ground strike onslaught from Ellenberger. Kampann wraps full guard and controls Ellenberger’s posture.

Ellenberger has Kampman pressed against the cage on his back with three minutes left. Ellenberger briefly postures up and throws a flurry of strikes. Kampmann survives again, tries for a switch, then a guillotine. Ellenberger defending the choke.

Under a minute left, Ellenbeger still defending as Kampann tries to get his grip. He doesn’t but gets up to his feet. Ellenberger continues to crowd him. Kampmann goes for a take down of his own with seconds left in the round but doesn’t get it. Round ends.

Rd 2

They get right back at it with furious punches! Kampmann rocks Ellenberger. The wrestler buckles but does not stop swinging back! Ellenberger lands another huge left hook on Kampmann. The race around the ring, throwing hard punches at each other’s heads.

Kampmann’s nose is cut badly. Kampmann drops and apparently knocks Ellenberger out with a knee to the head and follows up with strikes and referee Steve Mazzagatti steps in before he can do more damage. Fight over.

Another come from behind win for Kampmann!

“I need to get punched a little bit to wake up,” Kampmann says. Geez, dude. I guess so. Kampmann has made a career out of taking damage and then managing to gut through and finish.

Thanks for tuning in to CP, taters. Always fun.

TUF 15 Live Episode 5 Recap

y Elias Cepeda

After the normal celebrating and gloating from last week’s winning Faber team, attention is turned to this week’s matchup of Team Cruz’ Jeremy Larsen and Team Faber’s Mike Chiesa. Remember when a few weeks back Mike’s father died just after seeing him fight and win on national television, and we learned that Mike and Sam Sicilia are best friends and training partners back home.

Well, on this year’s TUF, the two lightweights have found themselves on opposing teams, but are trying to find a balance between not betraying their team and not betraying one another. They call themselves “Team purple,” as in a combination of Faber’s blue team and Cruz’ red team. That’s adorable. Really.

By Elias Cepeda

After the normal celebrating and gloating from last week’s winning Faber team,  attention is turned to this week’s matchup of Team Cruz’ Jeremy Larsen and Team Faber’s Mike Chiesa. Remember when a few weeks back Mike’s father died just after seeing him fight and win on national television, and we learned that Mike and Sam Sicilia are best friends and training partners back home.

Well, on this year’s TUF, the two lightweights have found themselves on opposing teams, but are trying to find a balance between not betraying their team and not betraying one another. They call themselves “Team purple,” as in a combination of Faber’s blue team and Cruz’ red team. That’s adorable. Really.

Because of their close friendship, Mike seemed to lean heavily on Sam when his father died. Having a true friend there to support him made a huge positive difference for Mike. Well, now that Mike is up and fighting Team Cruz’ Jeremy, Coach Dominick wastes no time trying to get Sam to trash all that trust and goodwill between he and Mike.

Cruz makes it immediately known to Jeremy, Sam and his whole team in the locker room that he expects Sam to tell him and Jeremy everything he knows about his friend Mike’s strengths, weaknesses, style and preferences. Sam isn’t having it.

“It’s still important to me to be a good man, above all,” he says during an interview. “And giving away game plans and being that sneak, isn’t what I’m here for at all.”

Cruz basically makes an argument that since Sam might have to fight Mike at some point anyway, like, why not go ahead and help some stranger beat him up first? Or something convoluted like that.

“If you want that belt you should be willing to give up anything for it,” Cruz says, even though its not Sam that is fighting, and there is no belt on the line.

Back in the house Sam tells Mike what Cruz tried to get him to do. Mike is not pleased.

“It makes me want to cut my leg off, go down to 135 pounds and throw [Cruz] a fucking beating,” he says.

Looks like Faber was wrong in his nickname of Chiesa. “Long hair” does, in fact, care.

Coach Cruz does not give up and in the training center approaches Sam. “Hey Sam, how often do you train with Chiesa?” he asks. “Everyday,” Sam responds. “What are his submissions?” Cruz continues.

Cruz digs deeper, asking Sam to divulge more and more about Mike’s go-to moves. When Sam demures, Cruz pays lip service to this being a tough situation for Sam…and then he proceeds to shit all over that understanding notion.

“What I’m trying to do here is help you guys win. It’s not my job to keep people friends, make people friends,” Cruz tells Sam.

Cruz must have some crazy Eddie Munster vampire mind control powers because by the end, Sam seems to have, in part, come around. “He’s just helping me out,” he says.

Cut to Jeremy and he says that Mike is one-dimensional, then proceeds to list two dimensions of his game – wrestling and submissions. Who’s counting anyway?

So Chris Tickle might have gout, you guys. Or something. Either way, his toe really hurts and his coach Cruz can’t be bothered. “Nobody really cares if you’re hurt. All they want to know is are you going to fight or aren’t you going to fight?” Cruz says.

So how’s this for awkward – Mike and Jeremy share a room together. When the topic is brought up in the house, neither one wants to be the guy who says they’d rather no longer share a room. With that new knowledge, the TUF producers could have just stuck eight cameras in that room all week long and captured what very well could have been really uncomfortable moments for both fighters.

Faber is high on his guy, saying that “Mike has some of the best MMA style takedowns.”

Back in the Team Cruz training room, Chris Tickle, who went to a specialist to get his foot tested for gout, is having stomach problems. It’s not the first time. He got out of sparring during a past week by telling his coach that he was about to poop himself.

After some sharp and intense looking sparring exchanges, Tickle says, “my stomach.” Cruz isn’t annoyed yet, saying, “you got hit with a good body shot.”

Tickle specifies, “no, it hurt before I started training.” To which, his coach replies, “Who cares?” Yeah, Cruz is annoyed now, once more. Not that he doesn’t have high hopes for Chris.

“Tickle, he does not like getting punched. He does not like pushing through the pain of getting tired…Tickle can win this whole show. That’s what’s frustrating about this,” he says.

Back to his fighter at hand, Cruz tells us that he and Jeremy used to actually play together when they were little kids because their moms were friends. “You cannot break this guy,” Cruz says admiringly of Larsen. Those must have been some intense play dates.

Earlier, Cruz confronts Tickle in front of the doctor and asks if he wants to continue in the competition or go home. Tickle is offended that anyone could interpret his being late to practice and stopping early as anything but an insatiable appetite to improve and compete. He says that unless someone has gout, they can’t understand the pain he’s in.

Yeah, so turns out Tickle doesn’t have gout. He did get some anti-inflammatory shots and says his toe feels good. Never had gout before, but joint damage there does hurt like a bitch. Glad I didn’t have Cruz around me at the time calling us one at the time.

Weigh in time!

Jeremy is in at 154 and Mike  at 155. Staredown, no incident. Time to get it on.

Fight Time!

Rd 1

Feints from both, with pawing jabs from Mike. Chiesa lands a leg kick and then goes in for the takedown. He presses Jeremy against the cage and works for the takedown relentlessly. Forty five seconds in, he gets it

Larsen with a half guard, Mike postures up and throws elbows, landing a bunch. Jeremy works his way to the cage to try and walk his way up the way Coach Faber taught him to in practice. They are away from the fence now, but Jeremy recomposes an open guard. Mike stands up and throws punches downward.

Jeremy stands up, gets an underhook of his own and presses Mike against the cage, where they stay for some time. Mike lands a knee to the head, using his longer limbs well.

They separate and Mike throws a head kick that misses then shoots in. Like the last time, Larsen does a game job of defending, even as he’s backed against the cage. But Mike keeps working and eventually scoops him up for a big double leg slam at just inside two minutes left.

Jeremy prevents Mike’s initial attempts to pass his guard and gets full guard. Mike stands to pass but Jeremy makes his way back to his feet. Mike gets a front headlock/guillotine grip, presses Jeff back to the cage, where Jeremy kneels to prevent Mike from kneeing him legally.

That does not stop Mike, who knees Jeremy right to the head while he’s on one knee and one arm. Referee Steve Mazzagatti steps in and breaks up the action.

At the restart, Mike comes in with a flurry of punches that miss. Larsen works into a clinch and tries to take Mike down against the fence. Round ends with him trying.

Rd 2

Mike throws a head kick that misses to open the round. He then follows with a takedown attempt that takes Jeremy back into the fence. Larsen defends and then reverses positions with his own underhook, pressing Mike against the fence. Mike turns him around once more and presses against the cage, landing a knee to the head and then to the body before they separate.

They stay on the outside where the shorter Jeremy lands two jabs and a cross. Mike shoots in for the takedown. Once more, Mike doesn’t get it initially but keeps pressing against the cage and ultimately puts Larsen on his butt.

Jeremy fights hard to prevent the pass, then gets up to his feet but is promptly dumped once more.  Mike tries to take Jeremy’s back but the cage stops him.

Back to their feet, Jeremy lands a left hook and right cross, Mike shoots, gets stuffed.

Mike seems to be getting tired but keeps shooting as Jeremy keeps swinging. Mike momentarily gets the takedown but Jeremy stands back up. Mike shoots again and works while Larsen defends. With thirty seconds left,  Mike take Jeremy’s back and they are on the ground. Mike works for the rear naked choke, Jeremy defends as time runs out.

Ain’t gonna be a third round tonight, folks. Mike gets the unanimous decision win. Team Faber evens the score to 2-2.

“It’s been a tough year. I love you mom,” he tells the camera while inside the ring.

Host Jon Anik interviews Mike and asks how he was able to stay in the house after his dad died and stay focused on winning. “I knew its what my dad wanted…It was tough for me but it was an easy decision to make,” he says.

Anik interviews Larsen and he’s none to happy. “I don’t know, man. I thought they took a point in the first round. I took a knee right to the head…we should be in the third right now,” the disappointed Jeremy says.

*Turns out, though it was unclear during the live telecast, referee Steve Mazzagatti did indeed take a point away from Chiesa for his illegal knee to the head of Larsen while he was down in the first round. Since Mike otherwise looked to be winning that round, it seems likely that the subtracted point made that round 9-9, with the second round going to Chiesa 10-9 and giving him the win.

Dana White gets interviewed by Anik next and warns fighters to not commit fouls. “That illegal knee could have cost him the fight,” he says. Or, in our mind, “That’s fucking illegal!”

Fight Pick time

Faber gets to make the matchup with his team’s win and chooses Tickle to take on Joe Proctor. Surprise, surprise, Tickle seems offended that Faber chose him to fight one of his guys, and puts his arms out wide in the universally “get at me,” pose. Faber doesn’t even look in Tickle’s direction and acknowledge him. Really, why would he?

Episode 4 Recap
Episode 3 Recap
Episode 2 Recap
Episode 1 Recap

*We were initially as confused as Jeremy Larsen and erroneously wrote that referee Stave Mazzagatti had not taken a point away. But last night we contacted over the phone Mazzagatti and he confirmed that he took a point away from Mike in the first round. We apologize for the error.