Michael Chiesa didn't really inflict a whole lot of damage on Rafael Dos Anjos in their bout on Saturday night, but the welterweight contender worked for three rounds to secure a unanimous decision win at UFC Fight Night 166.
With a workmanlike approach, Chiesa neutralized Dos Anjos' dangerous striking capabilities with grappling control. Chiesa continuously went for takedowns against the former lightweight champion and when he had him on the mat, worked for submission attempts.
The veteran Dos Anjos kept his composure throughout the fight but countered with little more than leg kicks. Forced to fight defensively and fend off the submission attempts, Dos Anjos was unable to mount much offensively.
The judges scored the fight 30-27, 29-28, 29-28 for Chiesa, who immediately called for a match against former interim UFC welterweight champion Colby Covington.
Michael Chiesa, 17-4, is now a perfect 3-0 in the UFC welterweight division and strongly believes he's worthy of becoming champion. His confidence is justified after taking down the No. 5-ranked Dos Anjos, who fell to 29-13.