UFC 223: Michael Chiesa Needs to Make a “Statement” in Order to Reach Year End Goal
By FCF Staff
Michael Chiesa is booked to fight Anthony Pettis at UFC 223 on April 7th, and the lightweight contender knows he needs to make a big “statement” in the bout, if he hopes to reach his year end goal.
Heading into the contest, Chiesa is ranked #9 in the promotion’s 155 division, while the former champ Pettis is #12. Recently Chiesa talked to the media about the upcoming bout, and while doing so, he said this (quote via MMA Junkie):
“I’m not here to be second best. I’m here to be world champion,” Chiesa said. “When the day comes I lose the drive to win a world title, then I’m just done. What’s the point of being in the pinnacle of the sport if you’re not striving to be the best at it? It’s an exciting time to be a lightweight.”
“My goal is to end this year as No. 1 contender,” he continued. “I’ve got to go make a statement. I’ve got to beat Pettis better than Poirier did. I’ve got to do better than the other guys (did vs. Pettis). That’s a tall order. We’re talking Max Holloway, Rafael dos Anjos; we’re talking some big-name guys. I’ve got to do it better than them.”
Chiesa (14-3) is looking to get back on track, after losing via technical submission to Kevin Lee in October (Chiesa protested the stoppage, however, by claiming he did not go out). Pettis (20-7), meanwhile, was submitted by Dustin Poirier in his last outing.