Michael Chiesa’s move to welterweight is off to a good start.
On the UFC 232 main card in Inglewood, CA, the former lightweight contender was able to take former UFC interim champion Carlos Condit down repeatedly, and after a fun first round that featured some intriguing scrambles and high-level grappling, Chiesa was able to submit Condit with a wicked kimura that had “The Natural Born Killer” in pain. Chiesa’s two-fight losing streak is over, while Condit has dropped his fifth straight. It’s certainly no guarantee we see Condit compete in the Octagon again in 2019, if ever again in MMA.
Chiesa immediately pursued the clinch and was able to get the trip takedown inside of a minute. Condit went for an armbar and instead gave up his back. Carlos then attacked the leg and used that to sweep back to his feet. Chiesa still had control of Condit and got him back down again. Michael threw a couple of punches towards Carlos’ head and maintained some top control , but did get elbowed a couple of times. Condit again went for the armbar and it looked dangerous, but Chiesa escaped. The fight wouldn’t stay on the feet that much longer, as Chiesa put him on his back yet again. Some fun scrambling ensued as Condit got on top, only for Chiesa to scramble and drop Condit to the ground just as the horn sounded.
The Ultimate Fighter 15 winner landed a couple of good punches on the feet, Condit connected on a knee but Chiesa pressured his way into another takedown, and locked up a vicious kimura that forced Condit to tap.
Official Result: Michael Chiesa def. Carlos Condit by submission (kimura) at :55 of round 2
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