TUF Live Finals: 5 Fights for Mike Chiesa to Take Next

Fighting three times in four weeks is an uncommon occurrence for professional fighters. In the modern age of the UFC, it simply doesn't happen. That is, until The Ultimate Fighter changed formats and aired tournament bouts live.

In past seasons, the finalists of the show would get to leave the house and train for six to eight weeks before returning for one last fight. Mike Chisea did not have that luxury last night, but it didn't stop him from claiming The Ultimate Fighter: Live tournament championship. 

With a submission of the night performance against Al Iaquinta, Chisea won with style and has already made a splash in the lightweight division. Here is a look at five potential opponents for Chisea in his next bout.

Ramsey Nijem

This bout would only make sense if Nijem can get past promotional newcomer C.J. Keith at UFC on FX on June 22nd. 

Nijem is the runner-up of the thirteenth season of The Ultimate Fighter. Nijem soundly defeated Danny Downes is his first fight after the show and looks to continue building momentum later this month.

If the UFC wants to slow-play Chiesa in order to let him get his feet under him, Nijem is as good of a place to start as any. He has exposure to fans through his time in the Ultimate Fighter house, and he has been successful recently.

Chiesa possesses a solid submission game that should give Nijem fits. 

Paul Sass

How do you stop Paul Sass? The submission machine has found a way to finish tough opponents Michael Johnson and Jacob Volkmann despite being a heavy underdog.

Sass' ability to lock up a quick submission might remind you of Chiesa, a fighter who has five submissions in under three minutes.

Who would win this grappling battle? Would Chiesa be willing to test him submission skills against those of the Brit? Nobody knows for sure, but it would sure be fun to watch.

T.J. Grant

T.J. Grant could very well be one of the most underrated lightweights in the UFC. His 5-3 record isn't quite reflective of his skill level, as all three losses came via decision to highly respected contenders.

Grant's losses are to Dong Hyun Kim, Ricardo Almeida and top contender Johny Hendricks. His wins have come over some notables, though, as he was able to defeat Ryo Chonan, Kevin Burns and Shane Roller during his eight-fight stint. 

With 13 wins via submission through his career, Grant is a dangerous grappler who is riding back-to-back wins over Roller and Carlo Prater. Chiesa represents the step up that Grant deserves, and the fight would be an all-out ground war between two hungry fighters on the rise.

Michael Johnson

When Michael Johnson lost to Jonathan Brookins in the finals of The Ultimate Fighter, he was a lightweight with potential, but with an unimpressive record of 8-5. Would he get lost like former runners-up Josh Haynes and Brad Imes, or would he be able to thrive like Kenny Florian?

Since the finale, Johnson has gone 3-1, with his only loss coming to Paul Sass. Currently riding the momentum of a pair of impressive wins, Johnson has undoubtedly earned his roster spot.

His last fight saw him stop the hype train of Ultimate Fighter winner Tony Ferguson. Does he have what it takes to beat another TUF winner?

Winner of Joe Lauzon vs. Terry Etim

After an incredibly active two months, Chisea will be looking for some time to slow things down and heal up any nagging bumps and bruises that he has been unable to attend to.

The scheduled matchup between Joe Lauzon and Terry Etim will take place on August 4, and the victor should be ready for a follow-up fight near the end of the year.

With both fighters coming off of incredible knockout losses (Lauzon fell victim to Anthony Pettis, and Etim was on the receiving end of Edson Barboza's wheel kick of doom), they have fallen tremendously on the divisional ladder.

A promising talent like Chiesa should be able to be competitive with either of the two veterans and could establish himself with a signature win soon after his UFC debut.