Michael Chiesa was expected to battle fellow welterweight bruiser Jingliang Li as a part of the upcoming UFC 287 pay-per-view (PPV) occasion in Miami; nonetheless, “The Leech” was pulled off the cardboard after struggling a spinal damage (more on that here). The 35 year-old “Maverick” says there was discuss of preserving him within the April 8 lineup pending a possible alternative however matchmakers have been unable to lock down a brand new opponent.
“I’m not going to call names of the blokes who have been provided who turned it down, as a result of it was a matter of visa points and a few guys not having the ability to make weight,” Chiesa informed The MMA Hour. “I’m not that kind of man to go on the market and blast, like, ‘So-and-so turned it down.’ Look, I’m a troublesome out for anyone at 170 kilos, particularly should you solely have a few weeks to arrange. Niko Worth was lobbying arduous to get the struggle, so I wish to give him his flowers. That man was prepared and prepared to leap in, however I believe the UFC had different plans for him.”
Take a look at the revised UFC 287 struggle card and ESPN+ lineup proper here.
The severity of Li’s damage left “The Leech” benched until further notice which has the 16-6 “Maverick” setting his sights on a brand new opponent. On the high of his want record is a 170-pound showdown in opposition to submission specialist Gunnar Nelson, who returned to the Octagon with a first-round finish over Bryan Barberena at UFC 286 final month in London.
“I need ‘Leech’ to recuperate,” Chiesa continued. “Hopefully him and I can do it down the highway. There’s one man I type of assume we take note of and I take note of, too. I’d love a struggle with Gunnar Nelson. I believe he’s an incredible competitor. I believe kinds make fights. I do know he’s out there and I believe that he’s as nicely, so hopefully we will get one thing transferring in that path. I’d even be prepared to go throughout the pond and struggle him in England in July. I’ve by no means executed the entire ‘go into enemy territory’ factor, so I believe that’d be a enjoyable problem.”
