Michael Chiesa Submits Jim Miller in UFC Fight Night 80 Co-Main Event

Michael Chiesa (13-2) and Jim Miller (25-7) competed in the co-main event at UFC Fight Night 80, and it was the young gun who finished the fight.

Chiesa got a rear-naked choke to elicit the tap in the second round after some quality ground work.

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"Stranglehold" was an appropriate choice of walkout music for Chiesa #UFCFightNight

— Stephen Lynch (@TheStephenLynch) December 11, 2015"

The two noted grapplers began the fight with some quality exchanges, but it wasn’t long before Chiesa got Miller to the ground. Chiesa controlled the position for some time, but Miller was able to reverse position to get on top. It was the fight most fans thought would happen: a high-level grappling exchange.

Miller was able to get the most dominant position of the first round when he got Chiesa’s back, and he closed the round in that position, which looked good on the judges’ scorecards.

The second round started largely the same way: an exchange and a Chiesa takedown.

Chiesa was doing a good job of maintaining top position, but Miller went for a leg. The former contender nearly had the kneebar, but Chiesa defended well. Soon after, Chiesa moved to Miller’s back and sunk in the rear-naked choke for the finish.

This is undoubtedly the biggest win of Chiesa’s career and could signal a passing of the torch for these two fighters. Chiesa out-Millered Miller.

Chiesa is a threat on the ground, and his hands are continually improving. He took to the microphone after the fight to say that he is a Top 15 fighter and that by the end of 2016, he will be in the Top Five. That is a tall order, but he has the talent to get it done.

What’s Next?

• Chiesa said that he is a Top 15 fighter, and while he may not crack into the Top 15 when the next rankings are released, he has assuredly earned the right to challenge another ranked fighter after toppling No. 14-ranked contender Miller.
• Miller is past his prime. As much fun has he has been to watch, it is time to realize that he is no longer an elite lightweight. That doesn’t mean he should retire, but it should put things into perspective as to what his role will be in this incredibly deep division.
• Chiesa brought up one ranked fighter who does not have a fight—No. 8-ranked contender Beneil Dariush. That is an intriguing fight that would be worthy of five rounds.
• Miller is going to be a gatekeeper, and there are plenty of talented lightweights to match him up against inside the cage. The UFC should take its time in figuring out whom that will be, but expect another young prospect to stand opposite Miller in 2016.