Michael Chiesa Called Out To Defend His UFC Ranking: 'He Doesn't Fight As Consistent As He Should!'

During his appearance at the post-fight press conference following a standout performance at the Apex on February 3, Brown looked ahead to what might be next for him.

He outlined his desire to shoot for a place in the top 15, honing in on Michael Chiesa as his targeted opponent. While Brown outlined his respect for "Maverick," he suggested that the veteran doesn't do enough to earn his continued presence in the rankings.

"I just always thought we would be a good matchup for years," Brown said. "These are the guys that I’ve been watching. These are guys that, when I grew up watching MMA as an amateur, I’ve seen in The Ultimate Fighter and I’ve got a ton of respect for them.

"I just think you have to defend your ranking. As someone established in the rankings... you can’t just rest on your laurels. This isn’t a shot to him or anything, but I just feel like he doesn’t fight as consistent as he should," Brown continued. "You’ve got to do something to prove you belong in that spot. I feel like he’s one of the guys that don’t fight enough, so I just locked in on him."

Chiesa last appeared at UFC 291 in July 2023, where he fell to another D'arce choke at the hands of Kevin Holland. Despite his opponent advising him to retire after a third straight loss, the 36-year-old shut that talk down.

Late last year, he called for a showdown opposite Colby Covington following the former interim champ's title defeat to Leon Edwards. But with that matchup seeming unlikely, Chiesa appears interested in facing Brown down the line.

During his presser, "Rude Boy" noted that he crossed paths and had a positive conversation with "Maverick," who was at the Apex to serve as an analyst on the ESPN desk.