UFC 232 results: Michael Chiesa submits Carlos Condit in second round

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Michael Chiesa had something to prove in moving up to welterweight Saturday night. And Carlos Condit has always been ready and willing to oblige in a scrap.

That made for one entertaining main-card matchup while it lasted at UFC 232, as the duo put on a high-level grappling show before Chiesa finally got the best of things. A Kimura at the 56-second mark of the second round gave “The Ultimate Fighter 15” winner a victory in his 170-pound debut.

“I just showed I am hands down a top-15 fighter,” Chiesa said after his 11th career submission victory. “This is where I belong, no matter what weight class I am in I am a top contender.”

Chiesa certainly didn’t look undersized in going back-and-forth with the former WEC welterweight and UFC interim welterweight titleholder the opening round was a tremendous example of elite MMA grappling, with back-and-forth scrambles, slick transitions, and submission attempts.

While Chiesa got the best of things generally, the crafty Condit nearly got an armbar at one point and a heel hook at another, making for a compelling round.

In the second, though, Chiesa got it done. A sweep, top position and a Kimura finished with one arm led to the tap.

“I do that a lot in the gym,” Chiesa said of the finish. “I’m a really tough competitor, now I have a chance to show it without the weight cuts.”

Chiesa snapped a two-fight losing streak and is now 15-4. Condit (30-13) has dropped five in a row.