TUF Live Finale Results Recap: Michael Chiesa chokes out Al Iaquinta

The Ultimate Fighter: Live Finale is in the books and showcased some of the best young up-and-coming talent in the UFC. The main event and TUF finale delivered on all fronts.

Jake “The Juggernaut” Ellenberger and Martin Kampmann met in the main event for a perceived Welterweight title shot. Ellenberger came out with a flurry, landing an excellent left hook that dropped Kampmann. Never easy to finish, Kampmann weathered Ellenberger’s ground-and-pound and worked for a guillotine from the bottom for the rest of the round At the beginning of the second both fighters came out swinging and landing. Ellenberger appeared to gain the upper hand, but Martin Kampmann broke out his Muay Thai clinch, landing three vicious knees and knocking out Jake Ellenberger. A war and an unbelievable win for Kampmann. We will see if he garners the next Welterweight title shot in arguably the most stacked division in the UFC.

Al Iaquinta and Michael Chiesa met for the $100,000 contract in The Ultimate Fighter Finale match. Al Iaquinta caught a kick early and scored some good combinations. Chiesa attempted a takedown but was unsuccessful. Iaquinta scored a nice Superman punch but the roles were reversed when Chiesa took his back on the ground. Michael Chiesa sunk in a deep rear-naked choke to score the contract. A great victory for a fighter that has been through so much, it will be exciting to see how Chiesa uses his excellent grappling skills against the UFC roster.

Charles Oliveira and Jonathan Brookins in a back-and-forth war, with both fighters landing some good strikes in the first. Brookins scored a good double leg and bloodied the nose of Oliveira. Charles Oliveira displayed some good leg kicks throughout. Brookins went for a guillotine in the second, but Oliveira escaped, quickly utilizing a D’Arce choke of his own to submit Brookins. Another impressive finish for Oliveira, who is becoming a force at Featherweight.

Max Holloway beat Pat Schilling handily, landing shots at will to score a unanimous decision victory.

Justin Lawrence utilized a great front-kick feint to set up a brutal right headkick to knockout John Cofer. The highlight-reel KO should give some momentum to Lawrence.

The Ultimate Fighter: Live Finale Main Card Results:

Martin Kampmann def. Jake Ellenberger via R2 KO (Knees)

Michael Chiesa def. Al Iaquinta via R1 Submission (rear-naked choke)

Charles Oliveira def. Jonathon Brookins via R2 Submission (D’Arce choke)

Max Holloway def. Pat Schilling via Unanimous Decision

Justin Lawrence def. John Cofer via R3 KO (Headkick)

LowKick.com Awards:

Performance of the Night: Martin Kampmann absorbed some big shots from Jake Ellenberger to score a huge win with his clinch game. He is now on the hunt for a title shot.

Finish of the Night: Michael Chiesa’s rear-naked choke finish of Al Iaquinta scored him the UFC contract and the emotional victory after having lost his father. His future as a fighter looks bright.

Upset of the Night: Again, Michael Chiesa wins an award, going into his bout with Al Iaquinta as the decided underdog. A great performance from an undefeated young fighter with tons of heart.

Outer Photo: CombatLifeStyle.com