Chiesa Becomes First UFC Fighter to Challenge a Referee

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) lightweight Michael “Maverick” Chiesa has decided to take a different route with his next competition. The professional mixed martial artist has challenged referee veteran Mario Yamasaki to a grappling match.

On today’s edition of The MMA Hour, the fighter revealed that wishes to face off against the referee in a grappling match. Mario Yamasaki officiated the fighter’s most recent loss inside the octagon. Chiesa suffered a submission loss in the first round against Kevin Lee, with the referee’s decision to stop the fight bringing much controversy. Now, it would appear that Chiesa wants some payback.