Michael Chiesa misses weight for UFC 226, done fighting at 155 pounds

Lightweight veteran Michael Chiesa didn’t look good earlier today (Fri., July 6, 2018) for UFC 226’s official weigh ins (replay here), which is probably why “Maverick” came in 1.5 pounds over the 156-pound limit for his clash with former UFC champion Anthony Pettis tomorrow night live on pay-per-view (PPV) from inside T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Through 10 years of professional competition and 10 appearances inside of the Octagon, this is the first time Chiesa has ever missed weight.

While Chiesa hasn’t fought in over a year and may have had a more difficult weight cut than he normally does, the 30-year-old looked completely depleted when he stepped on the scale earlier today. There may not have been an extra 1.5 pounds for the lightweight to sweat out.

“That’s it,” Chiesa said out loud following his scale fail. “This will be my last fight at 155.”

After a few hours to refuel and build his body back up, “Maverick” took to Instagram to deliver the following message:

“Throughout my journey in combat sports that goes all the way back to wrestling at 11 years old, I’ve never failed stepping on the scale,” Chiesa wrote. “Today was the first time in almost 20 years I didn’t hit my mark, it’s embarrassing and it’s a situation I’ll shed more light on at a later date.

“Regardless, I’m putting on a show and getting this win tomorrow. Thanks to the real ones out there that continue to support me.”

While the lightweight tilt will still take place and help round out a tantalizing PPV main card, Pettis wanted to remind fans that he’s the one who actually made weight for the fight:

If this is indeed Chiesa’s last appearance at 155 pounds hopefully he’ll make it a memorable one.

UFC 226 will be headlined by a heavyweight title fight between current champion Stipe Miocic and UFC light heavyweight titleholder Daniel Cormier.

MMAmania.com will deliver LIVE round-by-round, blow-by-blow coverage of the entire UFC 226 fight card, starting with the Fight Pass “Prelims” matches online, which are scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. ET, then the remaining undercard balance on FOX Sports 1 at 8 p.m. ET, before the PPV main card start time at 10 p.m. ET.