RALEIGH, N.C. —Michael Chiesa has been in the cage with some of the sport’s best, but he sees this Saturday as his biggest test yet.
Chiesa (16-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC) takes on former UFC lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos (29-12 MMA, 18-10 UFC) in the co-main event of UFC on ESPN+ 24 as he looks to continue his rise following his move from lightweight to welterweight.
“Yeah, this is the toughest one,” Chiesa told MMA Junkie ahead of the fight. “Out of anybody I fought in the UFC, this is the stiffest test I’ve fought to date. The proof is in the pudding. I mean, the guy is a former world champion, (he) fought for a belt at 170, and he’s still very relevant.”
Dos Anjos also recently made the move up to 170 pounds but, after a strong start, he’s had a rough stretch in his last four outings. But Chiesa still thinks dos Anjos is in his prime, and will present a tough test for anyone.
“He beat Kevin Lee, and Kevin Lee is seven years younger than him, so for him to be at the age he’s at and still beating these young guys – I feel like the toughest guys to compete against are the guys that are at the veteran status that have seen it all and that are in their mid 30’s,” Chiesa said. “This is a guy that’s still in his groove, but I’ve got to go out there and derail him. I’m really excited for the opportunity to compete against him but I’ve got to get my hand raised on Saturday night.”
Since moving up to welterweight, Chiesa has scored back-to-back wins over Carlos Condit and Diego Sanchez, adding two notable veteran names to his resumé.
“This is the fifth guy that I fought in a row that’s been in a title fight or has been a champion,” Chiesa said. “So these are the fights I want and that’s how you become a champion. I’ve got to beat these guys.”
A win over dos Anjos would be a big step forward in Chiesa’s career as a welterweight, but he knows it won’t be easy. But, despite facing a well-rounded, world-class opponent, “Maverick” believes he’s identified opportunities to exploit the Brazilian’s relentless fighting style on Saturday night.
“For as well-rounded and complete of a fighter he is, everybody’s got holes in their game,” he said. “Nobody’s perfect. Everybody’s got holes that can be exploited by another man. There are things we’re going to look to capitalize on but I’m expecting a three-round fight.”
