Team Faber’s Michael Chiesa picked up an emotional win over Team Cruz’s Jeremy Larsen on the fifth episode of The Ultimate Fighter Live.
Chiesa’s father passed away three weeks ago, but the 24-year-old decided to stay in the TUF house and follow his dream of making it into the UFC. He used that as motivation and it helped him pick up a unanimous decision win over Larsen.
“It was my first fight without my dad so it was tough getting in there,” Chiesa said after his win. “I’m past the point of mourning. I’m just celebrating my dad … This is dedicated to my mom.”
Early in the first round, Cheisa pressed forward and used his wrestling ability to take the fight to the ground. Chiesa is a tall fighter for the 155-pound division and used his leverage effectively to keep Larsen in a defensive mode.
Late in the round, while attempting a d’arce choke along the fence, Chiesa landed an illegal knee to the head of Larsen, who was grounded at the time. Chiesa would have won the round, but referee Steve Mazzagatti deducted a point for the illegal strike and the round was scored 9-9.
In the second round it was much of the same, minus any point deductions and Chiesa came away with the 19-18 decision.
“Chiesa lost his dad while he was here and I know the win meant a lot to him,” said UFC president Dana White. “This competition is tough mentally, physically and emotionally without having to deal with anything else like that. He has to focus and train hard over the next few though, give it everything he’s got, so he can move on and win this for his dad.”
Dominick Cruz, who was childhood friends with Larsen, said it came down to the takedown battle and his fighter came up short.
“Larsen went out and stuck to the game plan and listened well,” Cruz said. “We lost the takedown war, which is the type of fight we prepared him for. It was about execution and Chiesa followed through a little better tonight.”
UFC featherweight and Team Cruz assistant coach Ross Pearson said he saw a lot of himself in Larsen, who considers himself more of a street fighter.
“Tough guys don’t win fights,” Larsen said. “I felt like it should have went to the third and could have let the fighters decide instead of the judges … I was trying to make it a fight not a wrestling match. Hopefully I get another shot to live my dream. Hopefully this isn’t it.”
Despite the win, Chiesa said he knows there is a lot to improve on.
“It definitely wasn’t my best performance but I know what things I need to change and do better,” Chiesa explained. “Most importantly, I need to manage my weight better and be more confident in all my skills. I promise I’ll be putting someone to sleep next time.”
With the win, Team Faber regained control of the fight pick and they selected Joe Proctor to take on Team Cruz’s Chris Tickle live next Friday.
