Sun Jun 15 04:40:00 UTC 2025: ## Chiesa Set for UFC Atlanta Bout After Covington Clash Fizzles

**Atlanta, GA -** UFC veteran Michael Chiesa is set to return to the Octagon this Saturday at UFC Atlanta, facing fellow Ultimate Fighter winner Court McGee. The bout, scheduled for June 14, 2025, at State Farm Arena, offers Chiesa a chance to climb back into contention in the welterweight division.

However, Chiesa admitted at UFC Atlanta media day that he had initially hoped for a higher-profile matchup against Colby Covington. The potential fight, championed by TUF Season 33 coaches Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, had garnered significant interest from UFC matchmakers.

“The powers at be liked the idea, Chael and DC liked it a lot, the higher-ups loved the idea, and I thought it would have been great ending to The Ultimate Fighter,” Chiesa said, but ultimately, Covington appeared uninterested.

Chiesa believes Covington is now more focused on his streaming career. “I think he’s going to go a different direction in his career, and I think being a streamer is what he’s pursuing right now. He doesn’t have the desire to compete as much as he did before,” Chiesa stated. Despite the disappointment, Chiesa emphasized his focus on his upcoming fight. “I’m focused on Court McGee and moving him out of the equation,” he affirmed. He also added, “He’s a nice guy off camera, dick on camera,”.

Covington, a longtime top-ranked welterweight, has seen mixed results in recent years, with a two-fight losing streak and only two wins since 2020. His shift towards streaming suggests a potential change in priorities for the controversial fighter.

UFC Atlanta: “Usman vs. Buckley” promises a night of exciting fights. The ESPN/ESPN+ “Prelims” matches begin at 7 p.m. ET, followed by the main card at 10 p.m. ET, also on ESPN+.

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