Kevin Lee picked up a big win, but it may have not been the way he wanted it.
After controlling his summer rival in Michael Chiesa for a full round, the 24-year old Lee locked on a rear naked choke. What looked to be a sure fire victory was stopped moments early when referee Mario Yamasaki called an end to the bout, without Chiesa actually submitting. A visibly frustrated Chiesa stood up and protested the stoppage.
You can see an excerpt of our Fightful.com live coverage below.
#7 Michael Chiesa vs. #12 Kevin Lee
Round One: The round begins with Lee attacking Chiesa with some leg kicks, Lee then pops Chiesa with a straight right. Chiesa backs up Lee after landing a straight left, Chiesa scores a takedown on Lee and Lee pops right back up to his feet. Lee grabs Chiesa and he holds him against the cage wall, Lee scores a takedown on Chiesa and he gets the open guard. Chiesa looks for the submissions while on his back, Lee starts attacking Chiesa with some ground and pound. Lee transitions to back control on Chiesa, Chiesa stands up and Lee drags him to the ground while staying on his back. Lee starts attacking Chiesa with some ground and pound, Chiesa stands up again and Lee drags him to the ground while maintaining back control. Lee goes for the rear naked choke and the referee stops the fight for no apparent reason.
Official Result: #12 Kevin Lee def. #7 Michael Chiesa by submission via rear naked choke (4:37, R1)
Following the fight, Lee said that he hoped to headline a UFC show in Detroit in December. Chiesa angled for a rematch, which Lee later said he would accept for the "easy money." Sunday's fight was on Chiesa's home territory, so Lee was open to a rematch on his own in Detroit, but stated that he preferred a currently sidelined Khabib Nurmagomedov.
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