Canelo Alvarez vs. Jorge Masvidal? Michael Chiesa’s on Board

A lot of hardcore MMA fans and combat sports purists cringe when they hear talk about how or if a UFC star should face one of boxing’s best. Case in point, recently Jorge Masvidal raised eyebrows and prompted some scoffs, by calling for a boxing match with Canelo Alvarez. But, it seems clear Michael Chiesa’s a fan of crossover fights.

Alvarez vs. Masvidal is just the latest, crossover bout that’s been proposed

Talk about MMA fighters facing top boxers is nothing new, and we’ve seen crossover fights in the past, both in the boxing ring and the MMA cage. Of course, the biggest was in 2017 when Floyd Mayweather Jr. stopped former UFC champ, Conor McGregor (in a 10-round, boxing match).

More recently, however, Tyson Fury has been talking about facing UFC fighters in the boxing ring, and taking a MMA fight. Mayweather Jr. is apparently targeting another crossover bout with a UFC star in his return next year. Following Masdvidal’s win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244 last month, he relayed he’d like the chance to face the boxing superstar, Canelo (the latter, however, has punted talk about it, and has argued it wouldn’t be competitive).

Well, while talking to MMA Junkie recently, Chiesa had this to say about crossover bouts and Canelo vs. Masvidal.

“Now, the things you can do with Jorge Masvidal, screw it, set up him in a boxing match,” Chiesa said. “Jorge is in a great position that he can be whatever he wants to be. If he wants to jump into the title fight after (UFC) 245 he can do that. If he wanted to get a boxing match with Canelo Alvarez, you could probably make it happen.

“People love these crossover fights, I don’t disagree with them at all. He’s in a good position, and Nate (Diaz) is, as well, and both guys deserve it.”

Sure, it would be nice to see Masvidal earn a massive check via a boxing match with Canelo. But, you can understand why some purists aren’t interested in the match-up. It’s hard to imagine that it would be very competitive, and there are compelling, big stake fights for both men in their respective sports.

Chiesa’s next MMA fight

Crossover talk aside, Chiesa is scheduled to fight former lightweight champ Rafael dos Anjos at UFC Raleigh, January 25th. The bout will be Chiesa’s third at welterweight since he moved up from 155 last year. Most recently, the former TUF winner recorded a decision win over Diego Sanchez in July.