Was Michael Chiesa’s setback against Vincente Luque just a blip, a momentary lack of focus from a fighter who had otherwise excelled since moving to 170lbs? Or would Sean Brady continue to find success and remain unbeaten through a full fifteen fights?
Those two questions would be answered come the culmination of Saturday’s UFC Vegas 43, where the pair served as the Fight Night card’s co-main event.
The highly anticipated co-main event got underway with excitement from the fans inside of the UFC Apex and watching at home, after an unusually high number of fights went the distance. Chiesa vs. Brady would as well — but the fight wasn’t dull.
An unfortunate eye poke put the fight on hold early however, and after a few back-and-forth exchanges, another eye poke from Michael Chiesa forced Herb Dean to give a warning. After the warning the fight was back underway. Sean Brady caught a leg from Chiesa and got a quick takedown, but Chiesa made his way back to his feet only to be taken back to the mat.
Both men traded back-and-forth punches on the feet. Brady shot in for a takedown and after getting Chiesa on the ground, he began to work with his hooks in securing a body lock, looking for a rear-naked choke as the round came to an end.
In a nice sign of respect, there was a hug to start the the third round between Michael Chiesa and Sean Brady. Chiesa began to put the pressure on Brady, connecting with some nice power shots. Brady avoided the aggressive Chiesa pressure and took the fight back to the ground with a fifth takedown. Brady once again took control of Chiesa’s back. Michael Chiesa made his way back to his feet and landed some power ground-and/pound but simply ran out of time to lock up a finish.
The biggest win of @SeanBradyMMA's career 👏
[#UFCVegas43 | Main Card LIVE on @ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/IB8LOcDxbc
— UFC (@ufc) November 21, 2021
That’s 15-0 for Sean Brady, with his biggest win to date in terms of recognizable names. It’s pretty clear he’s arrived in the welterweight division.
Official Result: Sean Brady def. Michael Chiesa via unanimous decision (29-28,29-28,29-28)
