Michael Chiesa is an accomplished American mixed martial artist and sports analyst who competes in the welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). As of March 2023, he has been named #13 in the UFC welterweight rankings. Chiesa is widely known for his grappling skills, with 11 of his 18 wins coming by way of submission.

Chiesa started wrestling at Shadle Park High School before dropping out of Spokane Falls Community College after just three days in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts. He began his professional MMA career in 2008, going undefeated in his first seven fights before being selected as one of 32 lightweight fighters to participate in the first live season of FX’s reality show The Ultimate Fighter: Live. Chiesa emerged as the winner of the competition, becoming the inaugural winner in 2012. After the fame that resulted from this victory, he made his official UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale, defeating fellow Team Faber teammate Al Iaquinta by technical submission due to a rear-naked choke, earning Chiesa Submission of the Night honours for his efforts. Since this debut, his UFC career has gone from strength to strength, defeating big-name opponents such as Anton Kuivanen, Jim Miller and Diego Sanchez, among others. He is also a two-time winner of the coveted UFC Fight of the Night award, in his bouts against Joe Lauzon and Jim Miller.

In addition to his fighting career, Chiesa is also a respected sports analyst. He provides commentary on UFC events and hosts his own successful podcast, “The Ultimate Podcast,” where he discusses the latest news and events in the world of mixed martial arts. Recognized for his toughness and heart in the octagon, Chiesa is sure to continue his dominance as one of the most technical and adept fighters in the circuit. He maintains an active presence on Instagram, boasting well over a hundred thousand followers on his Instagram account.