Michael Chiesa has no plans to fight Khamzat Chimaev any time soon as his focus right now is a shot at the Welterweight title. During UFC Media Day, Chiesa stated he’s more focused on earning a UFC Welterweight title shot at this time, and a fight with Chimaev could possibly ruin those plans.

You’ve got to think about it like this…He beats a guy, like a veteran, let’s say, theoretically, he beats a ‘Wonderboy.’ Now, it’s lucrative. Now, it’s like, ‘Hell yeah.’ Now, he’s proven he’s the real thing. If he beats me, he takes my spot. If I beat him, they’re like, “Oh, it’s a flash in the pan.” You know what I mean?”

Michael Chiesa

Chiesa Turning Down Chimaev Is A Risky Move

Chiesa turning down a potential fight against Chimaev doesn’t make him a weak fighter, if anything it makes him a genius. The 17-4 fighter is on a three fight win streak, so possibly losing that streak against someone like Chimaev doesn’t really make sense for Chiesa. Why would you risk a title shot against someone who is so new in the UFC and has been so dominant? Does Chimaev deserve a high ranked opponent? Absolutely. Should Chiesa risk it all to fight him? No, but it’s also worrisome to deny the opportunity considering the UFC’s stance on turning down fights.

It does put into question what the UFC is suppose to do if everyone keeps turning down Chimaev. I understand why any fighter in the top 10 would say no to a bout with Chimaev. The only issue is turning down fights is a problem when it comes to advancing your career. Although Chimaev is new to the organization, and his stats in his past three fights are off the charts, eventually someone is going to have to say yes. If Chiesa decided to take the fight and won in a dominant fashion, I think it would put a spotlight on Chiesa. It’s a risk, but isn’t everything in life a risk?