UFC 144: Chris Cariaso Makes a Convincing Statement That Calls for Future Bouts

Since joining the UFC, American fighter Chris Cariaso has been making a statement in his short time with the organization. With his victory over Takeya Mizugaki at UFC 144, it is becoming quite clear that Cariaso is deserving of more fights.

With this victory, Cariaso's record now stands at 4-2 in both the WEC and UFC combined, with three of those wins coming in the latter.

Cariaso is still far from contending for a title, but he certainly is making strides at potentially reaching that level much sooner than later.

He hasn't faced anybody too difficult, as opponents included Mizugaki, Vaughan Lee, Michael McDonald and Will Campuzano.

Of all those fighters, McDonald was perhaps his biggest test, and he failed to come through as he lost in a decision.

The potential is there, and he is now coming off of back-to-back victories. He will need to continue to develop his technique, as he needs to be able to get more of his wins to be unanimous, with the ultimate goal of trying to finish it in a submission or knockout.

Cariaso does have the ability to strike and submit, as he has proven that with wins in fights at the lower divisions.

He will need to start to bring that type of closing ability to the UFC, otherwise he could see this direction he is heading take a dramatic turn into the wrong one.

Jeff Chase is a Featured Columnist for the Chicago Cubs and Arizona State football.
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