The UFC International Fight Week clash between former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis and Michael Chiesa in 2018 was one of the most intriguing matchups of the stacked UFC 226 card. And, after a little weigh-in drama in the buildup to the fight when Chiesa missed weight, Pettis showcased his at-times underrated submission skills to finish the noted submission specialist at T-Mobile Arena.
Chiesa’s preferred path to victory was no secret heading into the matchup, and “Maverick” went to work straight away as he scored an early takedown on the former champion. But Pettis quickly bounced back up and went to work with his striking as he found his range with his punches and low leg kicks.
The second round saw Chiesa again try to close the distance on “Showtime”, but Pettis hurt his man with a thumping body kick, then dropped him with a stinging right hand.
The former lightweight champ then went for a guillotine choke, but when Chiesa escaped and ended up on top, things didn’t look good for Pettis. But, despite seemingly being in the worst possible spot against a big, strong submission specialist, the Milwaukee man pulled a rabbit from his hat as he locked up a triangle armbar that left Chiesa with no option but to tap, then go to his rival and tell him: “Good job,” as he acknowledged Pettis’ submission skills.
Recap “Showtime’s” submission finish of Chiesa in the video above.
Pettis returns to action on Jan. 18 in Las Vegas when he takes on Brazilian Diego Ferreira in the main card opener at UFC 246 at T-Mobile Arena.
