UFC 226 results: Anthony Pettis submits Michael Chiesa in second round

Don’t count out Anthony Pettis just yet.

The former UFC and WEC lightweight champion has had more ups and downs as of late, losing five of seven fights heading into his UFC 226 bout with Michael Chiesa.

But Pettis looked like the “Showtime” of old on Saturday night, as he won a rollicking, back-and-forth, action-packed bout. Pettis earned the submission victory via triangle armbar at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas at the 52-second mark of the second round.

“I’m excited for the fans,” Pettis said after his 10th career submission win. “I know finishes are what the fans want to see, and I want to put on a show for you all.”

Chiesa, who missed weight on Friday, clocking in at 157.5 pounds, got off to a fast start, using his size advantage to bully Pettis in the clinch.

But Pettis found his groove late in the round and was back in the fight. Then he turned it on in the second. Pettis dropped Chiesa with a punch and went for a guillotine. Chiesa popped his head out and got into top position, but Pettis maneuvered into position for the winning triangle, forcing Chiesa to tap.

“Next time, I want a knockout,” Pettis said.

Pettis improved to 21-7, as the Milwaukee native won for the second time in his past three fights. Chiesa (14-4) has dropped two straight.

This bout was originally scheduled for UFC 223, but was postponed after Chiesa was injured inConor McGregor’s van attack in Brooklyn following a media day. Chiesa has an ongoing lawsuit against McGregor over the incident.