Michael Chiesa wants nothing more than to jump back into the heated mix of the UFC lightweight division, but he's learning a thing or two about patience in his time away.

The Ultimate Fighter Season 15 winner built serious momentum with an impressive three-fight winning streak over tough competition. Chiesa then parlayed that heat into a bout against fellow surging lightweight Tony Ferguson slated for UFC Fight Night 91 until a back injury forced him out of the bout and onto the sidelines for a lengthy stint.

While Chiesa laments the unfortunate turn, he's monitoring the situation with a keen eye. His personal recovery is one that won't be rushed, and Chiesa promises to return in top form to continue his run up the divisional ladder.

"I initially set my goal of returning before this year came to a close," Chiesa said. "I know back injuries are tricky and difficult to set a timeline on, but I really wanted to get one more fight in this year if possible. I feel good right now, but I have to be careful. I ruptured a disc and opted out of surgery in order to take a more natural route.

"Things are going well but I may fall a bit shy of making it back in 2016. There is a chance I would be ready for the card on December 30, but I think the odds are higher of me returning in early next year and that may be the right choice."



Apr 16, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Michael Chiesa (blue gloves) fights Beneil Dariush (red gloves) in the lightweight bout (bout 7) during UFC Fight Night at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Chiesa may be out for the time being, but the current chaos of the lightweight division has given him plenty to watch.

There are several scheduled bouts which hold massive importance to the divisional picture, and Chiesa believes there will be a few solid options waiting for him when he returns to the Octagon.

"There are so many weird matchups happening right now," Chiesa said. "With the announcement of (UFC lightweight champion Eddie) Alvarez vs. (UFC featherweight champion Conor) McGregor, it kind of throws a loophole in the whole division. There are a lot of fights that need to happen, and I'd like to see how everything plays outs.

"I've put a lot of hard work into this winning streak, and I've defeated some tough guys. One bad performance and all that goes away. I would hate to try to be a tough guy and piss all that away by rushing my comeback when my body isn't quite ready. But then again, when you look at the way things have gone as of late, what does any of that even matter? What do winning streaks even matter at this point?"

Over the past year, Chiesa has definitely noticed strange happenings in the division he's called home for the past four years. And when recent developments like the UFC sale and Conor McGregor joining the lightweight ranks are factored in, the Washington state native isn't quite sure how it all will impact the lightweight landscape moving forward.



Apr 16, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Michael Chiesa (blue gloves) fights Beneil Dariush (red gloves) in the lightweight bout (bout 7) during UFC Fight Night at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

"There are a lot of changes that are going to happen," Chiesa said. "We haven't really seen much of the effects of anything from the sale of the UFC just yet. With the company essentially being purchased by an entertainment company, will we have to resort to putting entertainment first in order to get anywhere in this profession?

"Listen, even with a pure sport where legitimate rankings and winning fights are what dictate title shots, there is still an entertainment factor that goes into it. But I feel like things are starting to weigh a lot more toward entertainment than results. It's discouraging to a lot of us fighters. Frankie Edgar is one of the best fighters in the world and he had to start acting crazy to try to get a title shot. That kind of sucks.

"A lot of these guys have families and do you think they want their kids seeing that stuff and thinking that's how you get ahead in this world? I know that's not the case for a lot of people."

While Chiesa is quick to acknowledge how much entertainment could factor into the future of the UFC, he will not allow that element to change his approach. Anyone who has watched Chiesa compete throughout his time inside the Octagon has a firm understanding of his workhorse approach and his love for the gritty aspects of the game.

Chiesa loves nothing more than stepping into the competitive realm and laying it all on the line in order to find out who will be the man standing when it is all said and done. The 28-year-old loves the rigorous nature of the sport because he believes the fight is where everything is determined.

Yet, when the powers that be hold style over substance, and fighters can progress their careers with microphone and promotional skills over talent, that's where his hopes for the future get a bit grim.



December 10, 2015; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Michael Chiesa is declared the winner by submission against Jim Miller during UFC Fight Night at The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

"I'm not going to get on social media and start saying things that are completely out of my character or start running my mouth in interviews, because I've seen people do that and it all comes off fake," Chiesa said. "We are fighters who get in there and fight, and may the best man win.

"I come from a wrestling background where there are brackets and you work your way up, but now it seems if people like the guy who is sitting in the consolation bracket he'll be moved ahead of everyone else. That doesn't make sense to me, but what can I really do about that?

"I'm never going to act like I'm someone I'm not in an attempt to get where I want to go. I'm going to keep working hard, being myself and beating guys up. I really can't wait to put this back injury behind me, put my best foot forward and continue where I left off. I'm coming back with solid momentum and I'm going to continue to work to accomplish my goals."