LAS VEGAS – Diego Sanchez isn’t the first winner of “The Ultimate Fighter” that Michael Chiesa has faced, but he’s the most special.

Chiesa (15-4 MMA, 8-4 UFC), the winner of Season 15, has already beaten the winner of the following season, Colton Smith. But he calls Sanchez (29-11 MMA, 18-11 UFC), the original “TUF” winner, an “ageless wonder” that could help him step up his career in the welterweight division.

“I think the UFC doesn’t want to push me into the rankings, and I’ve just got to go and make a statement, and that’s not going to be easy,” Chiesa told MMA Junkie in advance of his pay-per-view opener on Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.

Chiesa and Sanchez both migrated from the lightweight division to make their trip to the octagon a little bit easier. Chiesa, though, has a lot further to go in building his name at 170 pounds. He said Sanchez is the perfect opponent for that.

“It’s the ‘Ultimate Fighter’ champion,” Chiesa said. “It’s the guy. He’s still relevant. He’s still tough. I’m excited to test myself.

“The Martin Kampmann fight was one of the best come-from-behind victories I’ve ever seen in my life. He’s a true fighter, but that doesn’t mean I can’t put that aside for 15 minutes or less. I did it against Carlos Condit, I have no problem doing that against Diego Sanchez.”

Chiesa proved he’s a contender by submitting ex-interim champ Condit in his 170-pound debut at UFC 232 in December. He’d like to do the same to Sanchez, but admits it could be a long night of work.

“There’s no reason why we can’t go out there and play blood and guts,” Chiesa said. “But I’m really looking to go in there and finish.”

To hear more from Chiesa, check out the video above.

For more on UFC 239, check out the UFC schedule.