10 UFC 226 Predictions
4. Michael Chiesa Vs. Anthony Pettis
Another fight that was initially scheduled to take place on a different card, Michael Chiesa vs. Anothy Pettis is an opportunity for both men to establish themselves at the top of the 155lbs weight class. Pettis nearly stepped in to face Khabib Nurmagomedov after the McGregor bus incident prior to UFC 223, but was apparently rebuffed for asking for too much money.
Pettis has had a significant downturn on his career trajectory since losing his UFC Lightweight Title to Raphael Dos Anjos at UFC 185. After winning 18 of his first 20, Pettis has emerged victorious in just two of his last seven fights.
Meanwhile, Michael Chiesa has carved out a reputation as a perennial contender of the lightweight division, holding wins over Al Iaquinta, Jim Miller, and Beniel Dariush. Chiesa has demonstrated a mastery of the back mount position, securing rear-naked-choke victories in all of the aforementioned wins.
Pettis will need to avoid the aggressive grappling skills of Chiesa, who will manage to drag the fight to the mat and earn the biggest win of his career by submitting Pettis.
Prediction: Chiesa via round 3 submission