Michael Chiesa thinks he’s put himself in a good position to get the call whenever a new face is introduced into the rotation of UFC color commentators.
Chiesa (19-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) has been a staple of UFC broadcast for several years now, primarily as desk analyst providing predictions, breakdown and more for various events. More recently, however, he has begun the steps of a proven path toward the commentary booth, which is his ultimate goal.
“The Ultimate Fighter 15” winner has worked commentary for LFA, which streams on UFC Fight Pass, and also recently called “Road to UFC” bouts for the first time. He’s put in tireless hours to craft himself for that role, and Chiesa said it’s only a matter of time until his opportunity on the big show arrives.
“True – 100 percent (I will call an event in 2025),” Chiesa told MMA Junkie. “I feel like it’s coming. For me, I’m just staying patient. I know my time will come and I’m excited for it. My life revolves around this sport. I don’t have kids. I don’t have anything else going on. I eat, sleep and breathe mixed martial arts, dude. So I just know in due time I’ll get what I deserve and I think it’s going to feel really good. I’m pumped.”
The UFC has a strong crop of names already on its broadcast roster. Jon Anik, Brendan Fitzgerald and John Gooden are the trio for all play-by-play assignment. The color commentary features a mix of Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, Michael Bisping, Paul Felder, Dominick Cruz and Laura Sanko, who became the most recent addition and first woman to call UFC bouts in February 2023.
Chiesa sees himself as part of that elite crop eventually, and he said there’s no greater joy than his current trajectory.
“It’s just fun,” Chiesa said. “Like, I’m in camp, I get to go to Edmonton and work a desk show and I get a line of training out there and everything about where my life is at right now – I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy. I think that’s good. I know that’s good. I’m excited. When that day comes I just got to make sure to control my excitement. When I get too excited I don’t speak very well. When that time comes, keep a cool head and enjoy the moment for sure.”
Chiesa (19-7 MMA, 12-7 UFC) returns to action at UFC 310 on Dec. 7 when he meets Max Griffin (19-10 MMA, 8-8 UFC) in a welterweight bout at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (ESPN+ pay-per-view, ESPN2, ESPN+).
For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC 310.
Check out episodes of “The Bohn Fire” on MMA Junkie senior reporter Mike Bohn’s YouTube channel.
