The UFC hosted its Summer Kickoff Press conference today, featuring a number of fighters from upcoming events in the promotion. Among them, lightweights Michael Chiesa and Kevin Lee, set to headline UFC Fight Night 112 in Oklahoma City, OK this June. Though not the most likely pair to clash at the press conference (what with Daniel Cormier and Jon Jones in attendance), that’s exactly what happened in the end.
Things started out well enough. Chiesa stated Lee “popped up on my radar” after beating Francisco Trinaldo, and made a quip about Lee looking like “some dork who got kicked out of Woodstock.” Lee, wearing a headband, beads and tinted glasses, said he wasn’t “up here to s*** talk.” However, Chiesa, winner of The Ultimate Fighter Live, back in 2012, soon took umbrage with Lee’s words, especially when Lee brought up his mother being in attendance at the event this June. “He’s gonna headline because of me, after that he’s going back to the prelims” Lee said. “I know his momma’s got tickets-”
That was enough to get Chiesa out of his seat. Lee seemed unawares at first, but eventually the two met, security between them, with Lee throwing a punch. Later, it appeared Lee’s glasses had been broken in the fray. Both fighters were escorted off the stage, though they did return later for a face-off photo op.
It was probably the least likely source of fireworks on the night. It should be noted that Chiesa’s father passed away in 2012 just months prior to the fighter appearing on Ultimate Fighter 12, the Live season, so he may be sensitive to any talk of family. Either way, it added fireworks to an affair lacking much oomph outside of Cormier and Jones.
UFC Fight Night 112 takes place June 25 at the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Chiesa (14–2) is ranked 7th in the division, while Lee (15-2) is 12th.
