Michael Keith Chiesa[9] (/ˌkiˈɛsə/; born December 7, 1987) is an American professional mixed martial artist and sports analyst who competes in the Welterweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).

Chiesa was born in Aurora, Colorado, but moved to Spokane County, Washington, in his early years, growing up in Otis Orchards-East Farms with two older sisters.

[3] Mere days before his sixteenth birthday, Chiesa moved out to live with his dad and stepmom in order to get away from his mentally and physically abusive biological mother.

[3] Chiesa wrestled at Shadle Park High School from where he graduated before attending Spokane Falls Community College for three days before dropping out in pursuit of a career in mixed martial arts.

He fought for several regional promotions in the Pacific Northwest, going undefeated in his first seven fights,[12] before gaining an opportunity to appear on The Ultimate Fighter: Live reality show.

[13] Chiesa earned his way into The Ultimate Fighter house, and a $5,000 bonus, with a submission victory over Johnavan Vistante in the elimination rounds.

[15] After teammate Al Iaquinta picked up the first win for Team Faber, his coach decided that Chiesa would fight Jeremy Larsen next.

Early in the third round, Chiesa was able to reverse Lawrence on the ground, gain a mount position and win the fight by TKO, earning a $5,000 knock-out bonus and a place in the semi-finals.

[18] Chiesa officially made his UFC debut at The Ultimate Fighter 15 Finale on June 1, 2012, against fellow Team Faber teammate Al Iaquinta.

[27] Chiesa was stopped by Masvidal in the second round due to a d'arce choke submission, resulting in the first defeat in his professional career.

[28] Chiesa next faced Ultimate Fighter winner Colton Smith on November 6, 2013, at UFC Fight Night 31.

[45] However, Chiesa pulled out of the fight on June 27 citing a back injury and was replaced by promotional newcomer Lando Vannata.

[51] He appealed to the Oklahoma State Athletic Commission to overturn the defeat, claiming referee Mario Yamasaki erred both in stopping the fight despite no tapout nor loss of consciousness and in allowing Lee to use illegal downward elbows, which cut his head.

[53] Albeit having one fight left on his contract, Chiesa signed a new four-fight deal with UFC at the end of August 2017.

Chiesa was hit by shards of glass, which opened a cut on his forehead, and needed hospitalization subsequently resulting in the fight's cancellation.

[56] On September 10, 2018, Chiesa told the media he has sued McGregor for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress.

[57] In early 2022 news surfaced that the attorneys of both fighters filed for stipulation of discontinuance with prejudice, having reached a settlement in the process.

[75] Chiesa faced Kevin Holland on July 29, 2023, at UFC 291, losing the bout via a brabo choke submission in round one.