Michael Chiesa inks new four-fight contract with UFC

It looks like UFC will hold onto one of its most consistent lightweights on the roster, as veteran Michael Chiesa signed a new four-fight deal earlier this week, per a recent report by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani.

The mixed martial arts (MMA) veteran had one fight left on his UFC contract before re-signing with the promotion and bypassing a fairly lucrative free agent market.

Chiesa, 29, is coming off a controversial submission loss to current title challenger Kevin Lee back at UFC Fight Night 112. Before that, “Maverick” had racked off three-straight wins since the beginning of 2015, including impressive submission victories over grapplers Beneil Dariush and Jim Miller.

In total, the former Ultimate Fighter winner has compiled a 7-3 record within the UFC’s ultra-talented lightweight division. Chiesa has only lost to Jorge Masvidal, Joe Lauzon, and Lee since making his Octagon debut back in 2012, while continuously showcasing an improved game on the feet and on the ground.

While Chiesa currently has no fight scheduled, UFC should be looking to pit “Maverick” up against a top 15 opponent and give him the chance to redeem his recent loss to “Motown Phenom.”