Anthony Pettis Defeats Submission Legend Michael Chiesa Via Triangle Armbar!
After Michael Chiesa failed to make weight, he has to give 30% of his purse to his opponent, Anthony “Showtime” Pettis, but this doesn’t mean the second fight of UFC 226 pay-per-view will be less interesting.
Michael Chiesa (14-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) comes with a loss to Kevin Lee at UFC Fight Night 112, and he will probably look for his chance on the ground. He has a reach advantage but his opponent has world-class kicks but he is a favorite according to bookmakers.
Anthony Pettis (20-7 MMA, 7-6 UFC) is currently ranked 12th in Lightweight division and he sinks deeper and deeper since his title loss to Rafael dos Anjos at UFC 185. Maybe this is his chance to rocket himself in the air – he mustn’t let Chiesa take him down at all costs. He comes with a loss to Dustin Poirier via TKO (rib injury).
Round 1
One of the best matches of the evening starts. Oh what a punch by Chiesa, good middle kick by Pettis, but Chiesa throws him hard on the ground! Chiesa’s tactics are successful, he holds Showtime on the ground, but Pettis hold his neck. Chiesa has half-guard against the fence. It could be arm-triangle, but Chiesa lands strong punches. Pettis jumps on Chiesa’s back, he survived!
Now both fighters standing, Pettis is on his back. Chiesa tries for a high kick, and both fighters stand. Chiesa wants to take him down but Pettis pushes him against the fence. Chiesa is in trouble, Pettis holds him against the fence. Good osoto gari attempt, Pettis defends, but Chiesa lands a knee pushing him against the fence.
Takedown!
Great takedown by Chiesa! Pettis goes for a triangle choke but Chiesa is cautious. Chiesa is in the full guard, and a great upkick by Showtime but Chiesa defends and lands a knee. Chiesa tries to kick him but Pettis attacks his knee easily. Michael misses takedown again, Pettis chases him and lands a left low kick. Pettis misses with a spinning heel kick, Chiesa slips.
Showtime grabs Chiesa’s leg and takes him down. But both fighters stood up immediately. World-class tornado kick by Pettis but he misses.
Knockdown!
Chiesa is rocked by a punch but the referee stops, the end of the round!
Round 2
Knockdown!
Showtime with a tremendous body kick, again a right punch and Chiesa is in big trouble, Showtime attempts a guillotine choke but Chiesa defends and earns a dominant position on the ground. Great triangle attempt by Anthony Pettis…What a fight, Anthony Pettis finishes the fight via world-class triangle armbar!!!
Check out the action below:
There's some serious bad blood in this one ..#UFC226 pic.twitter.com/A4eg5eiZkI
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2018
Now that was close! @Showtimepettis #UFC226 pic.twitter.com/7y96TopcjA
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) July 8, 2018
PETTIS TAPS CHIESA! PETTIS TAPS CHIESA!
We are off to one CRAZY start at #UFC226! pic.twitter.com/yKddRo8FjS
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2018
The punch that set up the finish ..#UFC226 @ShowtimePettis pic.twitter.com/rJZowkNGiq
— UFC (@ufc) July 8, 2018
Final Result: Anthony Pettis wins the fight via second-round submission (triangle choke)
Pettis improves his UFC score to 8-6, while Chiesa drops to 7-4.
