LAS VEGAS – Michael Chiesa beat Diego Sanchez with a unanimous decision Saturday night to open up the main card at UFC 239 in Las Vegas.
Take a look inside the fight with Chiesa, who won for the second straight time since moving up from lightweight to welterweight.
Result: Michael Chiesa def. Diego Sanchez via unanimous decision (30-26, 30-26, 30-26)
Updated records: Chiesa (15-4 MMA, 9-4 UFC), Sanchez (29-12 MMA, 18-12 UFC)
Key stat: Chiesa had several submission attempts, but Sanchez still never has been tapped out in his pro career.
Chiesa on the fight’s key moment
“I like to scramble and make it a dog fight. Let’s see who gets more tired. I think I might be one of the first guys to wear out Diego Sanchez. I say that with all respect.”
Chiesa on Sanchez’s tenacity
“Diego’s a tough guy. He took me to some pretty deep waters. I’m tired. I’m very pleased, but I wanted a finish. I’m a finisher, but he’s still Diego Sanchez. He’s a wild man. I’m very blessed to come out with the win.”
Chiesa on what he wants next
“Top 10 next. I won’t accept anything less. I usually have a name in mind, but I don’t tonight. I didn’t want to look past Diego. I’m going to let the UFC decide, but be ready if you have a number next to your name. This is the weight class (in which) I can win a world championship.”
To hear more from Chiesa, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.
For complete coverage of UFC 239, check out the UFC results.
