Michael Chiesa Wary Of Anthony Pettis: ‘He’s Still Legit As F—‘

UFC 223 is shaping up to be one of the biggest fight cards of the year and if it’s the lightweight division you enjoy the most it’s going to be a feast of top tier light weight action.

Headlining the fight card on April 7 will be a lightweight title pitting Tony Ferguson against Khabib Nurmagomedov. Before that all goes down though, Michael Chiesa will take on Anthony Pettis in what should be another intriguing battle at 155-pounds.

Speaking with Submission Radio this week, Chiesa spoke about his excitement for the fight and how he isn’t underestimating Pettis whatsoever despite his recent lack of form.

“Yeah, I loved the match up,” Chiesa said. “Being a top-1o ranked guy, I think I deserve to be put on a bigger stage against big opponents and this is one of the guys where it doesn’t get bigger than this.

“He’s a former champion and former pound-for-pound guy. This is the type of fight that I want. A lot of people are counting Anthony out because of his record in his last 7 fights. He’s 2-5 in his last 7, but you got to look at the guys he’s fought and how he’s fought them.

“The guy doesn’t break and he’s got a lot of fight in him. He went 5 rounds with dos Anjos and was in the fight the whole time. He then had a tough fight against Dustin Poirier, he’s fought Max Holloway, he’s fought the best of the best.

“A lot of these casual fans write him off because he’s had losses, but the guy is still just legit as f***.”

While Pettis hasn’t looked in top form in his last few fights, Chiesa said he’s preparing to face the best the former UFC lightweight champion has to offer and that he will be walking to the Octagon expecting a tough night.

“I’m not expecting a slouch,” Chiesa continued. I’m expecting that champion calibre fighter from years passed and that’s what I think is going to happen.

“I don’t think he’s going to look at it like his back is against the wall. I think he just wants to get back to his title.

“Who knows? I could be wrong. It’s all speculation. What goes on between someone’s ears is their own business, but I think when you listen to him talk in his interviews and on social about his fights he’s always talking about getting his title.

“I think he’s just trying to get back to being a world champion again, but unfortunately for him he’s going to go through me and that’s just not going to happen.”

Listen to the full interview: