UFC welterweight Michael Chiesa has a new goal in hot pursuit after another triumphant showing in the Octagon against Max Griffin.
After initially appearing on the cusp of retirement, Michael Chiesa secured his second consecutive win by submitting Max Griffin at UFC 310. For the seventh time in his career, Chiesa sealed the deal with a rear-naked choke, moving him ever closer to topping the UFC’s all-time RNC list.
Chiesa has had an up-and-down tenure in the UFC since winning The Ultimate Fighter 15. While a title shot remains out of immediate range, Chiesa has answered calls to walk away with back-to-back impressive performances.
Chiesa, who has a budding career in broadcasting lined up once he retires from fighting, doesn’t want to hang up the gloves until he passes an all-time great submission wiz.
Michael Chiesa targets Demian Maia’s RNC record after UFC 310
During his UFC 310 post-fight press conference, Chiesa focused in on passing an evasive record held by Demian Maia that’s now within reach.
“I just saw that I tied Kenny Florian with seven rear-naked choke finishes. Now I’ve gotta chase down the great Demian Maia and try to get past nine,” Chiesa said. “It’s cool to create another little goal for me, just standing outside waiting to come in here is when I read that.”
Chiesa went on to clarify that he remains on pursuit of becoming a UFC world champion, despite being in the latter stages of his career and being outside of the Top 15, as of this writing. His victory over Griffin might’ve been enough to make the case for a Top 15 spot after UFC 310.
Michael Chiesa postpones retirement with back-to-back UFC wins
Before UFC 310, Chiesa submitted former interim lightweight titleholder Tony Ferguson at UFC Abu Dhabi earlier this year. It’s the first time since 2016 that Chiesa has earned consecutive wins by rear-naked choke, since tapping out Jim Miller and Beneil Dariush at lightweight.
Maia, one of the greatest submission artists in UFC history, was released following a loss to current champion Belal Muhammad at UFC 263. He submitted the likes of Ben Askren, Carlos Condit, and Neil Magny by rear-naked choke during his promotional tenure.
Chiesa is one of the few rear-naked choke aces finding continuous success in modern mixed martial arts. After his win at UFC 310, Chiesa called for a spot on the upcoming UFC Fight Night card in Seattle, just hours away from his home in Spokane.
Chiesa and Maia are two of the most dangerous grappling aces in UFC history. After another triumphant showing, Chiesa has Maia at the center of his crosshairs as he looks to add another accolade to his resume.