Looking to steer out of a two-fight losing skid, Michael Chiesa packed on 15 pounds to fight former interim Welterweight champion, Carlos Condit, at UFC 232 tonight (Sat., Dec. 29, 2018) inside The Forum in Inglewood, California. Condit, meanwhile, had dropped four consecutive fights and had not won a UFC fight in more than three years.
Indeed, something had to give inside the eight-walled cage. And it took less than 10 minutes, as Chiesa locked up a slick kimura in the second round that forced “Natural Born Killer” to tap.
Condit came out slinging — arms, legs ... until Chiesa wrapped him up and tripped him to the floor. Condit rolled for a triangle, but he spun right into Chiesa, who had back control briefly before the pair scrambled and ended back up on their feet. But, it didn’t last long, with Chiesa scoring another takedown and looking to do damage from guard. While Chiesa was busy dropping shots, Condit rolled and this time he got a good lock on an armbar. He actually straightened it out and it looked like Chiesa would have to tap or snap, but he was somehow able to wriggle his wrist free. In the ensuing scramble, Condit angled and rolled for a heel hook, but Chiesa defended well and was able to break free. It was a very grappling-heavy and exciting opening round.
The pair traded shots to open the second, with Chiesa disguising his intentions to segue into a takedown. And after that it the end came quickly — Chiesa grabbed Condit’s forearm and torqued it up above his head, forcing “Natural Born Killer” to tap to a very painful-looking kimura.
Hopefully, Condit did not suffer any physical damage to his arm and/or shoulder — it looked bad. Regardless, it was a fantastic 170-pound debut for Chiesa, who looked strong and confident in the new weight class.
Look out, y’all.
For complete UFC 232: “Jones vs. Gustafsson 2” results, including play-by-play updates, click here.
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