UFC 173: Michael Chiesa vs Francisco Trinaldo on tap for May 24 in Las Vegas

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight Michael Chiesa has been scheduled to hook 'em up against Francisco Trinaldo at the upcoming UFC 173 pay-per-view (PPV) event, scheduled for May 24, 2014 at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

UFC announced the booking earlier today.

Chiesa (10-1) made his Octagon debut by capturing The Ultimate Fighter (TUF) 15 trophy in June 2012. Since then, "Maverick" has gone 2-1 -- without ever seeing the judges' scorecards -- and is fresh off a submission win over fellow TUF guy Colton Smith.

Time to build some momentum.

Opposing him is Trinaldo (14-3), who has been consistently inconsistent since making his promotion debut, also in June 2012. While he's coming off a split-decision win over Jesse Ronson, "Massaranduba" has struggled to get any real traction in a crowded lightweight division.

At 35 years old, it's now or never.

UFC 173 will be headlined by a middleweight title fight featuring undefeated champion Chris Weidman, as he puts his 185-pound title on the line against new division number one contender Lyoto Machida. Elsewhere on the card, Chris Holdsworth tangles with Kyung Ho Kang, while Doo Ho Choi throws hands opposite Sam Sicilia.

Check out the current UFC 173 fight card and line up by clicking here.