Michael Chiesa is a prominent American mixed martial artist competing in the UFC’s welterweight division.
Known for his grappling skills and submission victories, Chiesa has made a name for himself as a tough competitor in the octagon.
Let’s dive into the details of his life, career, and achievements.
Michael Chiesa’s Biography
| Attribute | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Michael Keith Chiesa |
| Nickname | Maverick |
| Born | December 7, 1987 |
| Age | 37 |
| College | Spokane Falls Community College (attended briefly) |
| Religion | – |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6’1″ (185 cm) |
| Turned Pro | 2008 |
| Net Worth | Estimated $1-3 million |
| Salary | Varies per fight |
| Spouse | Kelsi Jo Chiesa |
| Relationship Status | Married |
| Instagram Profile | @mikemav22 |
Early Career
Michael Chiesa’s journey in mixed martial arts began in his hometown of Spokane, Washington. He started wrestling at age 11 and continued through high school at Shadle Park High School.
He began training at Sikjitsu gym in Spokane, honing his skills in various martial arts disciplines. After a brief stint at Spokane Falls Community College, Chiesa decided to pursue a career in MMA.
Chiesa’s amateur career laid the foundation for his future success, as he developed a strong grappling base that would become his signature style in professional competition.
Professional Career
Chiesa turned pro in 2008, competing in regional promotions in the Pacific Northwest. His big break came in 2012 when he was selected to participate in The Ultimate Fighter: Live.
Despite facing personal tragedy with the loss of his father during the show, Chiesa persevered and won the tournament, earning a UFC contract.
He started his UFC career in the lightweight division, showcasing his submission skills with several impressive victories. In 2018, Chiesa moved up to welterweight, where he found renewed success.
Throughout his career, he has faced top-tier opponents and established himself as a formidable contender in the 170-pound division.
Wife
Michael Chiesa is married to Kelsi Jo Chiesa. The couple tied the knot in recent years, with Chiesa occasionally sharing glimpses of their relationship on social media.
Michael Chiesa’s Net Worth Details
Michael Chiesa’s net worth is estimated to be between $1-3 million as of 2025.
Fight Purses
| Event | Opponent | Purse |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 265 | Vicente Luque | $131,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Chiesa vs. Magny | Neil Magny | $162,000 |
| UFC Fight Night: Blaydes vs. dos Santos | Rafael dos Anjos | $154,000 |
| UFC 239 | Diego Sanchez | $146,000 |
| UFC 232 | Carlos Condit | $110,000 |
Endorsements
Michael Chiesa has secured several endorsement deals throughout his career, including:
- Reebok (during their partnership with the UFC)
- Monster Energy
- Toyo Tires
- Manscaped
- CBD company Pure Spectrum
Career Records
| Statistic | Record |
|---|---|
| Total Fights | 25 |
| Wins | 18 |
| Losses | 7 |
| Wins by Submission | 12 |
| Wins by Decision | 6 |
Notable opponents
- Rafael dos Anjos (Win)
- Kevin Lee (Loss)
- Anthony Pettis (Loss)
- Carlos Condit (Win)
- Neil Magny (Win)
- Vicente Luque (Loss)
FAQs
1. What is Michael Chiesa’s fighting style?
Michael Chiesa is primarily known for his grappling and submission skills. He excels in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and has a particularly dangerous rear-naked choke, which has become his signature submission.
2. How did Michael Chiesa get into MMA?
Chiesa started wrestling at age 11 and continued through high school. After briefly attending college, he decided to pursue MMA full-time, training at Sikjitsu gym in Spokane, Washington.
3. What was Michael Chiesa’s biggest career achievement?
One of Chiesa’s most significant achievements was winning The Ultimate Fighter: Live in 2012, which earned him a UFC contract and launched his career in the promotion.
4. Why did Michael Chiesa move from lightweight to welterweight?
Chiesa moved to welterweight in 2018 to avoid the difficult weight cuts associated with competing at lightweight. The move has generally been successful, allowing him to perform without the strain of extreme weight loss.
5. Has Michael Chiesa ever held a UFC title?
While Chiesa has not held a UFC title, he has been a ranked contender in both the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
6. What is Michael Chiesa’s role outside of fighting?
In addition to his fighting career, Chiesa works as a UFC analyst, providing commentary and insights for various UFC events.
7. How many rear-naked choke submissions does Michael Chiesa have?
Chiesa has seven rear-naked choke submissions, tying him with Kenny Florian and putting him close to Demian Maia‘s record of nine.
8. Has Michael Chiesa won any UFC bonuses?
Yes, he has won:
- Fight of the Night (twice)
- Submission of the Night (twice)
- Performance of the Night (once)
9. How has Michael Chiesa’s Italian heritage influenced his career?
While Chiesa is proud of his Italian-American heritage, with family roots in Camogli, Italy, it hasn’t played a significant public role in his fighting career.
10. What is Michael Chiesa’s fighting record?
Chiesa has a professional MMA record of 18 wins and 7 losses. He has 12 submission wins, 6 decision wins, and has competed primarily in the lightweight and welterweight divisions.
