The welterweight bout between Michael Chiesa and Court McGee is set to take place at UFC on ESPN: Usman vs. Buckley (UFC on ESPN 69) on June 14, 2025, at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, United States. This matchup features two seasoned veterans and former Ultimate Fighter winners, both looking to build momentum in the competitive 170-pound division.
Michael Chiesa
Michael Chiesa, an American fighter, is a seasoned grappler and the winner of The Ultimate Fighter: Live lightweight tournament. With a professional record of 18 wins and 7 losses, Chiesa is known for his submission-heavy game, with 12 of his victories coming via tapout, primarily rear-naked chokes. His recent back-to-back submission wins over Tony Ferguson and Max Griffin in 2024 showcase his ability to capitalize on grappling opportunities, though his three-fight losing streak prior to that (2021–2023) highlighted vulnerabilities against elite strikers and grapplers. Chiesa’s durability and grappling prowess make him a threat on the mat, but his lack of knockout power and occasional struggles with striking defense leave openings for opponents.
Michael Chiesa – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Max Griffin – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC 310, December 7, 2024)
2. Win vs. Tony Ferguson – Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) (UFC on ABC, August 3, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Kevin Holland – Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC 291, July 29, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Sean Brady – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, November 20, 2021)
5. Loss vs. Vicente Luque – Submission (Brabo Choke) (UFC 265, August 7, 2021)
Court McGee
Court McGee, also an American fighter, is the winner of The Ultimate Fighter 11: welterweight tournament and a gritty veteran known for his durability and well-rounded skill set. With a professional record of 22 wins and 13 losses, McGee has 5 knockouts, 6 submissions, and 11 decision victories, reflecting his versatility. His recent first-round submission win over Tim Means at UFC 307 in October 2024 snapped a two-fight skid, demonstrating his resilience at age 40. McGee’s experience and ability to grind out decisions make him a tough out, but his 10 decision losses and susceptibility to knockouts against powerful strikers are notable weaknesses.
Court McGee – Last 5 Fights:
1. Win vs. Tim Means – Submission (Neck Crank) (UFC 307, October 5, 2024)
2. Loss vs. Alex Morono – Unanimous Decision (UFC Fight Night, April 6, 2024)
3. Loss vs. Matt Brown – KO (Punch) (UFC on ABC, May 13, 2023)
4. Loss vs. Jeremiah Wells – KO (Punch) (UFC on ESPN, June 18, 2022)
5. Win vs. Ramiz Brahimaj – Unanimous Decision (UFC on ESPN, January 15, 2022)
Prediction:
This welterweight clash pits Michael Chiesa’s grappling expertise against Court McGee’s durability and versatility. Chiesa’s path to victory lies in leveraging his superior submission game, dragging McGee to the mat, and hunting for a rear-naked choke or other submissions, as he did against Ferguson and Griffin. McGee, however, is a tough grappler himself and has never been submitted in his 35-fight career, which could frustrate Chiesa’s ground attack. McGee’s strategy will likely involve keeping the fight standing or in the clinch, where he can outwork Chiesa with volume striking and dirty boxing to secure a decision.
Chiesa’s recent momentum and submission threat give him an edge on the ground, but McGee’s resilience and experience could make this a grueling battle. If Chiesa can secure early takedowns and control top position, he’s likely to find a submission or dominate rounds. However, if McGee neutralizes the grappling and turns it into a striking or clinch-heavy fight, his cardio and toughness could sway the judges. Given Chiesa’s submission pedigree and McGee’s age and recent knockout losses, the grappler’s fresher momentum tips the scales.
Prediction:
Michael Chiesa def. Court McGee via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke) in Round 2.
