Michael Chiesa’s career trajectory over the past four years reads like a sports drama: the hopeful rise, the crushing fall, the soul-searching, and finally, the triumphant resurgence
While many fighters never recover from a three-fight skid, Chiesa used it as fuel to reinvent himself — mentally, physically, and spiritually.
His journey is a case study in resilience. It’s about confronting doubt, trusting the process, and choosing to evolve rather than retreat. For fans of the sport and for athletes in any discipline, Chiesa’s comeback is not just admirable — it’s instructive.
Whatever lies ahead, one thing is certain: Michael Chiesa has proven that he’s still a force in the welterweight division. And more importantly, he’s shown that comebacks aren’t just possible — they’re sometimes where the real legacy begins.
Inspired by a passing comment from Jon Anik, he nurtured a skill set few athletes develop. And now, as opportunities pile up, he stands on the cusp of becoming one of the sport’s most trusted voices.
From bloody brawls to broadcast brilliance, Chiesa is proving that fighters can thrive long after the final bell—if they’re willing to evolve.
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Michael Chiesa Eyes UFC Commentary Role
A Journey Inspired by Jon Anik
Michael Chiesa, known to MMA fans as “Maverick,” has long been a respected figure inside the octagon.1
However, his ambitions extend beyond fighting, as he recently shared his desire to carve out a more permanent space behind the commentary desk in the UFC.
While Chiesa has already dipped his toes into the world of fight analysis, working as a desk analyst for the promotion, he now hopes to transition into the broadcast booth alongside elite UFC voices like Jon Anik, Joe Rogan, and Daniel Cormier.
In a revealing interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, Chiesa spoke candidly about the evolution of this goal, crediting Jon Anik for initially planting the seed.
The story of Chiesa’s transition is not just about career progression—it’s about passion, self-belief, and the ability to evolve within a sport that demands constant reinvention.
It was an honor sharing the octagon with you tonight @Court_McGee. There isn’t many people in the fight game that I respect as much as you.
— Michael Chiesa (@MikeMav22) June 15, 2025
The Spark: How Jon Anik Planted the Seed
When Michael Chiesa joined The Ultimate Fighter, becoming a standout contestant in Season 15, his focus was purely on fighting.
But it was during this period that Jon Anik, one of UFC’s most iconic voices, first encouraged Chiesa to consider the world of broadcasting.
Chiesa reflected on this unexpected encouragement, saying:
“It wasn’t a goal of mine when I got in the UFC. But Jon Anik just planted that seed when I was on The Ultimate Fighter, and that seed has grown… I love getting on the other side of the camera and talking fights.”
For Chiesa, this moment marked the beginning of a long, gradual shift in perspective. As his career progressed, so did his comfort in front of the camera. What began as a simple piece of advice has now blossomed into a legitimate aspiration.
Michael Chiesa’s Work Behind the Desk
Michael Chiesa has earned praise for his appearances as a UFC desk analyst, where he breaks down fights with technical insight and emotional clarity.2
Whether it’s pre-fight analysis, post-fight reflections, or mid-card commentary, Chiesa has demonstrated that his fight IQ translates seamlessly to the analyst role.
What makes Chiesa’s commentary stand out is his blend of experience and relatability. He’s not just analyzing fights from a distance—he’s fought many of the men inside the cage and understands the psychological pressure and physical toll firsthand.
His deep understanding of grappling, game plans, and fighter tendencies adds layers to the UFC’s coverage.
“I Love It Almost as Much as Competing”
During his interview, Chiesa opened up about how broadcasting has unexpectedly become a true passion—something he never planned for, yet now considers nearly equal to his love for fighting.
“I love it almost as much as I love competition. It’s right there. It’s neck and neck.”
This statement reveals a lot about where Chiesa is in his career and life. While some fighters see media roles as a fallback plan or a post-retirement pivot, Chiesa has embraced the opportunity as a natural evolution of his connection to MMA. It’s not a side hustle—it’s part of who he’s becoming.
The Gamble That Paid Off
Chiesa also spoke about the risks he took to get to this point—not just as a fighter, but as a broadcaster.
“I just can’t tell you how thankful I am and how much gratitude I have for my gamble paying off. I really pushed my chips all in the middle and gambled on myself with this MMA thing. Not just as a competitor, but as a broadcaster.”
For fighters like Chiesa, who have competed in a brutal, high-risk sport for years, transitioning to a commentary or analyst role can provide stability and longevity.
But it also requires skill, presence, and charisma—not everyone can do it. Chiesa’s success on camera shows that his gamble was not just brave but calculated. He’s proving that fighters can wear multiple hats—and wear them well.
From the Cage to the Booth: Learning from the Greats
If Chiesa’s goal is to join the UFC’s top commentary team, he’s aiming for a table full of legends. Joe Rogan, a cultural icon and longtime voice of the UFC, brings encyclopedic knowledge and unfiltered excitement.
Daniel Cormier offers the perspective of a former two-division champion with elite wrestling credentials and a playful demeanor. Jon Anik ties it all together with his precise, professional narration and genuine love for the sport.
Chiesa’s admiration for this crew is evident. But more than admiration, there’s ambition. He’s not just a fan—he wants to be their colleague.
He’s already developed a strong foundation as an analyst and has shown he can speak the language of both hardcore fans and casual viewers.
The next step is earning his shot at the commentary desk on fight nights—a platform that could elevate his media career permanently.
Why Michael Chiesa Fits the Modern UFC Commentary Mold?
The UFC’s modern commentary team thrives because it includes voices from different aspects of the sport.3
The analyst role is no longer reserved for one type of personality. Analysts today are storytellers, entertainers, and educators all in one.
Chiesa fits this mold for several reasons:
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Authenticity: He doesn’t force excitement or analysis. His delivery is natural.
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Experience: As a former TUF winner and seasoned welterweight, he’s seen it all—from early prelims to main events.
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Emotional Intelligence: Chiesa knows when to be analytical, when to show empathy, and when to let the moment speak for itself.
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Communication Skills: He articulates complex fight strategies in a way that’s accessible to fans.
All of these qualities make him an ideal candidate to take the next step in UFC broadcasting.
Upcoming Projects: July to September and Beyond
Chiesa teased a busy few months ahead:
“I got a lot of broadcasting stuff coming up, July to September.”
While he didn’t name specific assignments, it’s clear that Chiesa is being trusted with more significant roles.
Whether it’s voiceover work, pre-fight coverage, or possibly a commentary test run, this window from July to September could mark a defining period in his post-fight career.
As UFC expands globally and continues to host cards across continents, there’s more opportunity than ever for new voices to join the rotation. Chiesa is poised to capitalize.
Role Models and Mentors in MMA Media
Chiesa’s shout-out to Jon Anik wasn’t just a kind nod—it was a recognition of mentorship. In MMA media, mentorship is often underrated.
Fighters like Paul Felder, Dominick Cruz, and Michael Bisping didn’t make their transition into media alone—they learned from those who paved the way.
Jon Anik’s influence stretches beyond his voice on fight night. He has helped shape the professionalism and consistency expected of today’s broadcast team. By inspiring fighters like Chiesa to consider life beyond fighting, Anik’s legacy is growing in unexpected ways.
The Future: A Fighter and a Voice
Michael Chiesa may not be done competing just yet, but his second career is already taking shape.
Whether he’s breaking down the X’s and O’s of a high-stakes main event or injecting energy into a quiet prelim card, Chiesa has found his rhythm in front of the camera.
And for UFC fans, that’s a win. Voices like his—real, grounded, and battle-tested—make the fight game feel more connected and authentic.
If he gets the call to join the commentary team full-time, it won’t just be a new chapter in his career. It’ll be a validation of his unique place in MMA history.
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Michael Chiesa’s Redemption Arc
From Rock Bottom to UFC Resurgence
Michael “Maverick” Chiesa has had one of the more quietly compelling career turnarounds in the UFC.
The welterweight veteran, known for his gritty fighting style and candid personality, hit a career low point following a high-profile win against Neil Magny in January 2021.
What followed was a series of losses that cast doubt on his future in the sport.
But now, just over three years later, Chiesa is riding the momentum of a three-fight win streak and proving that perseverance, self-belief, and adaptation can forge a second chapter in even the most tumultuous of fight careers.
The Fall After the High: A Career in Jeopardy
Chiesa’s decision win over Neil Magny was meant to be a stepping stone into title contention at welterweight.
He looked poised, confident, and technically refined in that bout, showcasing dominant grappling and control over five rounds. However, the sport of MMA is as unpredictable as it is brutal.
Chiesa’s next three fights saw him spiral into a dangerous slump. He was submitted by Vicente Luque in the first round, outclassed by rising prospect Sean Brady, and finally, knocked out by Kevin Holland.
This marked the first three-fight losing streak of his professional career. Questions began to swirl about whether he had plateaued or if age and damage had caught up with him.
The chatter about potential retirement intensified, especially from critics and fans who saw the fire in Chiesa dimming.
Michael Chiesa: Behind the Scenes
Mental Battles and Self-Doubt
In an emotional Instagram post, Chiesa later opened up about what those months truly felt like.
He admitted that just a year ago, he wasn’t sure he could keep competing. The physical toll was heavy, but it was the mental pressure that weighed on him the most.
“Around this time last year, I was wondering if I still had it in me to keep competing,” Chiesa wrote.
“I’ve pocketed 3 wins in 10 months. I’m still evolving, I’m still learning, I’m still pushing myself and I’ve still got that fire to keep competing. I still got ‘it’.”
This admission pulled back the curtain on the emotional and psychological challenges fighters face — especially after a string of public setbacks.
Chiesa wasn’t just battling opponents; he was grappling with his own sense of self-worth and belonging in the octagon.
The Turning Point: Regaining Confidence
What changed for Chiesa? According to interviews and posts from his training camp, the answer lies in returning to the basics. He reconnected with his roots, both technically and emotionally.
Training at Camp Chiesa, a setup that emphasizes personal growth alongside athletic performance, Chiesa reestablished a clear vision for what he wanted in his career.
He stopped focusing on rankings and instead dialed in on rediscovering the joy of fighting.
He also leaned heavily on his support system. Coaches, teammates, and fans rallied around him — not just out of loyalty, but because they believed in his potential to rise again.
Victory Over Tony Ferguson: A Statement Win
The first major sign of Chiesa’s resurgence came against former interim lightweight champion Tony Ferguson.
While Ferguson was no longer at his peak, he was still a dangerous and unorthodox opponent. Chiesa executed a disciplined game plan, showcasing grappling superiority and composure under pressure.
The unanimous decision victory didn’t just mark the end of Chiesa’s losing streak; it marked the beginning of his comeback. The win was a message to fans and critics alike: the Maverick still had plenty left in the tank.
What’s Next for ‘Maverick’?
With three wins in quick succession, the big question is: What’s next for Michael Chiesa?
There’s talk of a Top-10 opponent next, possibly someone like Geoff Neal, Neil Magny again, or even a rematch with Vicente Luque.
Chiesa is now in a position where one more victory could propel him back into serious title contention — something that seemed out of reach just a year ago.
Moreover, Chiesa’s growing popularity, bolstered by his analytical work on UFC broadcasts, gives him dual relevance in the sport. He’s respected not only for his in-cage performances but also for his insight and professionalism outside it.
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