UFC 287: Michael Chiesa rejected short-notice rematch after Li Jingliang's pull-out, claims Kevin Lee

Kevin Lee has accused Michael Chiesa of turning down a short-notice matchup for UFC 287.

Chiesa was originally scheduled to return to the octagon against Li Jingliang at UFC 287. However, 'The Leech' recently announced that he won't be able to make it on April 8 after suffering a spine injury that could require surgery.

Kevin Lee, who hasn't fought since his return to the UFC, claims to have offered to step up as a short notice replacement for Jingliang. However, 'The MoTown Phenom' was allegedly turned down by Chiesa, who will be returning to the octagon after a hiatus of a year and a half. Lee wrote on Twitter:

"I got a call a week ago that Mike Chiesa’s opponent pulled out with injury for next weeks #UFC287 in Miami. I accepted the fight on short notice I’m ready to go. But I got word today that Chiesa said no to our rematch. I no longer really care about money, rankings or popularity contests I wanted to put on a show for the the world. Looks like I’m gonna have to watch from the crowd with everyone else. I been asking for a fight for the last six months im hungry. S/o to @killcliff_fc back to work until the next move"

When Kevin Lee brought up Michael Chiesa's mom

Kevin Lee fought Michael Chiesa for the first time in June 2017, earning a controversial first-round submission win. Leading up to the fight, 'The MoTown Phenom' made a remark about Chiesa's mom, which although harmless by MMA trash talk standards, almost led to a full fledged brawl. Lee said:

“I know his momma got tickets.”

This sparked a somewhat uncharacteristic reaction from the usually composed Chiesa. 'Maverick' stood up and exclaimed:

“You shut the f--k up about my mom!”

Michael Chiesa then suddenly charged towards Lee, only to eat a flush overhand right before being separated by security. Reflecting on the incident, 'Maverick' said in a later interview:

"I always wanted to be a douchebag. I was like, ‘I’m ready to go on the mic and start talking sh*t to guys. That’s how I’m going to get to big fights. That was my first time trying to do it, I attempted, and I got 10-8ed. He talked about my mom and I literally ran at him, and got punched. That’s the worst part dude.”

Catch Chiesa's comments below: