Michael Chiesa Edged Court McGee in a Clash of TUF Winners
Michael Chiesa defeated Court McGee by unanimous decision at UFC Atlanta on June 14, 2025. The welterweight meeting at State Farm Arena brought together two former Ultimate Fighter winners, with Chiesa receiving scores of 30–27, 30–27 and 29–28.
A measured opening left little room for waste
The first round featured cautious range-finding and limited sustained exchanges. Chiesa connected with a right hook, while a brief clinch failed to develop into extended grappling.
An accidental clash of heads also interrupted the opening exchanges. Neither fighter established an overwhelming offensive sequence, making their individual clean connections significant in a low-output round.
An interruption preceded more cautious exchanges
A low blow against Chiesa stopped the action early in the second. After taking recovery time, he resumed the contest and answered McGee’s attempts to press forward.
The round remained measured, with relatively few follow-up attacks from either man. Both continued looking for openings without committing to the kind of extended exchange that might produce a finish.
Chiesa prevailed after late fence work
The final round included clinch reversals and knees along the fence. Referee Mike Beltran urged more activity before the fighters separated and completed the remaining exchanges.
Chiesa’s win extended a resurgence that had included a victory over Max Griffin. McGee entered after submitting Tim Means at UFC 307. Their shared history on The Ultimate Fighter connected two long UFC careers: Chiesa won the show’s lightweight competition, while McGee won Season 11 at middleweight.
Sources
- UFC: official judges’ totals and recorded Atlanta results
- UFC: June 14 Atlanta venue and weight classes
- Cageside Press: opening exchanges, interruptions, fence work and decision
- UFC: Chiesa’s tournament victory and pre-Atlanta resurgence
- UFC: McGee’s Season 11 victory and Tim Means submission
