The opening bout of the UFC Fight Night 31 card was a lightweight bout of recent Ultimate Fighter winners and Michael Chiesa defeated Colton Smith by submission in the second round.
In the first five minutes in the fight, both fighters attempted a rear-naked choke submissions with Chiesa getting the first attempt after Smith took the fight the ground. Chiesa had the first submission attempt of the fight and had the body lock on Smith as he looked to finish the fight.
Smith would end up reversing the position and would get the back of Chiesa. Once he was on his back, he went for a rear-naked choke and the submission was tight. Chiesa would be able to escape and the fight moved into the second round.
After a striking exchange, the fighters grappled against the cage and Chiesa used a judo throw to get the fight to the ground. Once on the ground, Chiesa immediately went for a rear-naked choke and Smith tapped out.
Chiesa (10-1) has won two of his three fights in the UFC and his last six wins have come by rear-naked choke submission. Smith (3-3) has lost back to back fights since winning The Ultimate Fighter 16 and this is his first career defeat by submission.
UFC Fight Night 31 Results:
Michael Chiesa def. Colton Smith via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 2, 1:41
Bobby Green def. James Krause via TKO (kick) – Round 1, 3:50
Francisco Rivera def. George Roop via TKO (strikes) – Round 2, 2:20
Dennis Bermudez def. Steven Siler via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Amanda Nunes def. Germaine de Randamie via TKO (strikes) – Round 1, 3:56
Lorenz Larkin def. Chris Camozzi via unanimous decision (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
Yancy Medeiros def. Yves Edwards via KO (strikes) – Round 1, 2:47
Seth Baczynski def. Neil Magny via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Derek Brunson def. Brian Houston via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, :48