Career Averages - Giga Chikadze
Career Averages - Cub Swanson
Giga Chikadze
Cub Swanson
Giga Chikadze - Fight History
Angelo picks Vinicius Oliveira (Lock Dog) over Andre Fili, citing Oliveira's relentless pace and work rate. He notes Oliveira is always moving forward, throwing strikes, and mixing in takedowns, which leads to high DFS scores. He worries about Fili's low fight IQ and tendency to abandon game plans, but acknowledges Fili's wrestling experience. He believes Oliveira's busy style will overwhelm Fili.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 12 of 22 | 54% | 19 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 1 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 23 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:28 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 9 of 17 | 52% | 16 of 24 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 0 | 9 of 18 | 50% | 12 of 21 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:27 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 1 | 11 of 14 | 78% | 11 of 14 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 12 of 22 | 54% | 2 of 10 | 10 of 10 | 0 of 2 | 12 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 20 of 32 | 62% | 14 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 4 of 5 | 15 of 26 | 1 of 2 | 4 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 9 of 17 | 52% | 1 of 8 | 8 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 9 of 17 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 9 of 18 | 50% | 6 of 13 | 1 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 16 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 3 of 5 | 60% | 1 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Kevin Vallejos | 11 of 14 | 78% | 8 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Vallejos (-300); Chikadze (+240)
Round 1
A potential banger at 145 pounds may treat fans over the next three rounds or fewer, as former Glory kickboxer Chikadze (15-5, 8-3 UFC) plies his trade against surging Argentinian Vallejos (16-1, 2-0 UFC). Before the feet, elbows, knees and fists fly, referee Mark Smith has to clock the fighters in. When he does, they opt to touch gloves.
After about 20 seconds of the two measuring one another, Vallejos breaks the silence with a low kick. The two stay at a wide berth from one another, too far for kicking range so they just shadowbox and hop around. Chikadze is well short of his intended target when he finally does throw his first kick, and when he tries another, he slips. Vallejos runs at him to take advantage of the moment, but Chikadze recovers and bails before Vallejos can pin him down. They get back to the center of the Octagon bobbing and faking at one another, striking totals in the single digits after two minutes. Vallejos lobs a low kick, and Chikadze checks it and splits his shin wide open.
Both men land flush, and Vallejos pushes after the kickboxer and pressures him to the wall. Smith admonishes someone for chattering at him during the fight, and they split apart. The shin wound from before gradually widens, with blood streaming down his foot. Vallejos walks the striker down and pumps him in the jaw, and he dodges a spinning wheel kick as the uneventful round wraps.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Dayne Fox scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
The two strikers once again are tentative to get going. Chikadze eventually goes into action with a body kick and a high kick. The kicks from the Georgian are keeping Vallejos from largely going after him, until he decides it is time to start fighting. He steps back to avoid a low kick, and reaches out with a right hand over the top. This clips Chikadze, who is surprised that the strike hurt him as badly as it did and backs off in a hurry. Vallejos loads up with a second that lands on the neck, and Chikadze shrugs at him, his back to the fence. Vallejos opens up with a right hand to the body that misses, but this is to set a deadly trap.
He spins with the momentum gained by turning into the direction of his right hook, and he crashes a spinning back fist square into Chikadze’s dome. Chikadze crumples to the floor at an odd angle, his right arm trapped beneath him and his left stuck as well. This allows the Argentinian to demolish him with three concussive elbows, each of which seem to shut off and reawaken the “Ninja” in rapid, painful succession.
Smith sees that Chikadze’s eyes are wide and staring lifelessly at the mat, and he waves the fight off. Chikadze tries to work himself back to his feet but is struggling to stay upright under his own power. This is the first time he has been knocked out, with Vallejos walking off triumphantly.
The Official Result
Kevin Vallejos def. Giga Chikadze R2 1:29 via KO (Spinning Back Fist and Elbows)
Cody picks Vallejos, citing Giga's age, injuries, and lack of interest. He notes Vallejos's youth, durability, and pressure style, and expects him to outwork Giga by mixing in takedowns and volume. He predicts a decision win for Vallejos.
Connor also picks Chikadze, agreeing with Zane that Vallejos will struggle with Chikadze's range. He notes that Vallejos has never faced a fighter who knows how to fight long, and that Chikadze can deny him the pocket. Connor expects Vallejos to have a rough start and possibly get finished by kicks. He also mentions that Chikadze's losses were hard-fought and he is not shot.
Lucrative James is a fan of Kevin Vallejos and picks him to win, possibly by knockout. He highlights Vallejos' youth, athleticism, power, and multiple paths to victory, including grappling and boxing. He notes Giga Chikadze's cardio issues and susceptibility to grappling, and believes Vallejos can finish him. He projects Vallejos as a -250 favorite.
Paul also picks Vallejos, emphasizing that the key to beating Giga is constant pressure, which Vallejos excels at. He mentions Vallejos's takedown threat and body work, and suggests a Vallejos by decision prop at plus 150.
Zane picks Chikadze because he believes Vallejos is a pocket combination puncher who will struggle against Chikadze's length and range. He notes that Chikadze is huge for the division and knows how to fight long, which will deny Vallejos his preferred range. Zane expects Vallejos to be frustrated for the first two rounds, possibly coming on late but not enough to win. He also mentions that Chikadze's kicks are dangerous and could lead to a finish.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 43 of 91 | 47% | 71 of 127 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| David Onama | 0 | 49 of 87 | 56% | 72 of 127 | 3 of 3 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 6:15 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 21 of 43 | 48% | 26 of 48 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| David Onama | 0 | 13 of 26 | 50% | 13 of 30 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:44 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 11 of 20 | 55% | 19 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| David Onama | 0 | 18 of 32 | 56% | 28 of 43 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 3:07 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 11 of 28 | 39% | 26 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| David Onama | 0 | 18 of 29 | 62% | 31 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:24 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 43 of 91 | 47% | 23 of 66 | 8 of 11 | 12 of 14 | 40 of 88 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| David Onama | 49 of 87 | 56% | 29 of 55 | 1 of 6 | 19 of 26 | 38 of 75 | 1 of 1 | 10 of 11 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 21 of 43 | 48% | 9 of 26 | 4 of 7 | 8 of 10 | 21 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Onama | 13 of 26 | 50% | 9 of 17 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 7 | 13 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 11 of 20 | 55% | 8 of 17 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 8 of 17 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 |
| David Onama | 18 of 32 | 56% | 8 of 19 | 1 of 2 | 9 of 11 | 11 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 6 of 7 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 11 of 28 | 39% | 6 of 23 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 28 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| David Onama | 18 of 29 | 62% | 12 of 19 | 0 of 2 | 6 of 8 | 14 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Onama (-180), Chikadze (+150)
Round 1
One fight tonight takes place outside of normal weight divisions, and it does so because Chikadze (15-4, 8-2 UFC) clocked in a pound heavy. The Georgian gives 20% of his purse to local fellow striker Onama (13-2, 5-2 UFC), and this one should be a whole lot of fun. Before an all-out brawl ensues, referee Keith Peterson takes charge of the cage. The fighters meet in the middle without a glove touch or any nonsense. Chikadze works from a range with a long punch, three kicks and one more punch upstairs. Chikadze chambers and fires a body kick, and Onama walks him down and reaches him with two kicks. Chikadze beats Onama to the punch with a one-two, and after a lull in the action, he quickly releases two head kicks that bang into the guard. Chikadze swings a right and then a left into the guard, with Onama shelling up just in time. Chikadze hand-fights to prevent Onama from firing anything of note, and he puts together a combination of punches ending with a kick. Onama parries a kick but has a left hand wrapped around his guard. Chikadze spins with a wheel kick that is blocked, and he lands and sneaks in a left hand. The Georgian hammers the front leg with a kick, and he aims one to the other leg before Onama can get to him. Onama reaches his target with a sharp right hand, snapping the head back and stunning the former kickboxer. Chikadze gathers a full head of steam and lashes out with a flurry of feet and fists, and Onama is able to stay right in front of him lunging with his powerful right hand. Chikadze steps in with a knee that clatters off the guard, and Onama’s long left gets in. Onama walks through a low kick to put punches on his opponent, and Chikadze is quick to reply with a step-in knee. Chikadze cracks Onama with a straight right hand, and Onama is on baby deer legs trying to stay upright. As Chikadze moves in for the kill, Onama wraps him up and gets behind him, lowering “Ninja” to the floor and taking most of his weapons away. Onama lands in half guard, with Chikadze actively attacking off his back with punches. Chikadze wraps up the guard, and he hacks with elbows until the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
The strikers resume in the second round, with Onama walking Chikadze down pecking at his lead leg with kicks. The low kicks are in part to set up a left hand for “Silent Assassin,” and Chikadze recognizes this and plants his fist on Onama’s face. Onama chips at the front leg and blocks a spinning back elbow, with his guard raised to defend a subsequent left hook. Onama gives Chikadze chase, catching him with an uppercut in the midst of a combination. Chikadze nails the front leg with a kick, and Onama shoots in for a double that he easily lands. Chikadze lands an elbow to the back of the head, and Onama hooks his legs between Chikadze’s to shut down his escape attempt. Onama steps over to the side, and Chikadze uses his feet to push off the wall and try to find a better position. Onama smothers until the Atlanta Braves’ chant is sung again from the crowd. Chikadze is desperate to stand, and Onama stops his efforts even if he does not otherwise attack with anything. Chikadze thinks about a guillotine choke, and when he moves and sits up, Onama bowls him over to his back. Onama in half guard loops his right arm behind Chikadze’s head for an arm-triangle setup, letting it go to drop down two harsh elbows. “Silent Assassin” quietly nullifies Chikadze with his top control, getting off the occasional strike until the clapper sounds with 10 seconds left. Onama lets Chikadze back up so he can measure a body kick, and backs off until the horn. He then raises his arms in the air to pump up the crowd, as they did not have a lot to cheer about in that last round otherwise.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Onama
Round 3
Onama again tries to pump up the audience to start the final frame, but when Peterson clocks them in, they do not do much for the first 30 seconds. Onama slowly works up his pace, landing punches and kicks until Chikadze retaliates. The Georgian responds with multiple head kicks, and his short left hook is out of reach. Onama knocks him back with two punches, and Chikadze stands in the pocket and bangs back. Chikadze lets fly a body kick, and he strikes the same spot with a left hand. When Onama lands, Chikadze gives him back a flurry of punches to think about and an axe kick for good measure. Chikadze is quicker than Onama at leading into exchanges, and he does not bite on the feints. Chikadze sneaks in a right hand just before Onama can get him, and Onama shoots in for a takedown and crashes straight into Chikadze’s dome with a loud clacking sound. Onama successfully tackles his man to the mat, foul not assessed as Chikadze was lowering himself down to defend the entry. Onama controls his man until Chikadze bursts his way to his feet. In the process, Chikadze gives up his back, and Onama leaps on it and uses it to wrangle Chikadze down to the ground again. Onama starts getting busy with his free left hand and arm, punching until an elbow presents itself. When Onama postures up, Chikadze times him with butterfly hooks to momentarily push him off. Onama gets back on top and lashes out with elbows, and Chikadze responds with a few of his own. Onama punches until time expires, with this final round likely the swing that determines the victor.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Onama (29-28 Onama)
The Official Result
David Onama def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks David Onama, citing his activity and pressure against a inactive Giga Chikadze. He notes that Giga is one-dimensional and has been out for two years, while Onama is a kickboxer who should stay busy and win. The odds have moved from -150 to -183 in Onama's favor.
Big Brady leans toward David Onama, assuming he will grapple. He notes Giga Chikadze's takedown defense is poor and he has been controlled on the ground before. If Onama strikes, he favors Chikadze. He predicts Onama will get takedowns, wear on Chikadze, and find a submission in the second round.
Connor picks Chikadze because he has a significant spatial advantage over Onama, who struggles at range and needs to brawl to be effective. Chikadze's movement and ability to keep distance will make it hard for Onama to force the kind of fight he needs. Connor also notes that Chikadze is a dangerous striker who can hurt Onama, as seen in Onama's previous fights where he got hurt but survived.
The host expects Onama to meet Chikadze's jab with bigger power, mix in grappling, and land more damage over 15 minutes to win on the scorecards.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze as an underdog. He believes Chikadze is a better striker and underrated, citing his close fight with Arnold Allen. He criticizes Onama's low fight IQ, poor training habits, and vulnerability to pressure. He expects Chikadze to win by TKO, as Onama has been dropped by lesser opponents.
Zane picks Chikadze, agreeing with Connor that Chikadze's spatial advantage and ability to keep Onama at range will be key. Onama's only path to victory is to brawl, but Chikadze won't let him get close. Zane also notes that Onama has been hurt in almost every fight and Chikadze is a very dangerous striker who can finish him early. However, if Onama survives the early onslaught, he could win round three.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 61 of 122 | 50% | 61 of 122 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 38 of 111 | 34% | 39 of 112 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 13 of 22 | 59% | 13 of 22 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 14 of 33 | 42% | 15 of 34 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 16 of 43 | 37% | 16 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 13 of 40 | 32% | 13 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 32 of 57 | 56% | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 11 of 38 | 28% | 11 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 61 of 122 | 50% | 43 of 95 | 16 of 22 | 2 of 5 | 61 of 122 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 38 of 111 | 34% | 22 of 83 | 12 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 38 of 111 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 13 of 22 | 59% | 9 of 17 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 22 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 14 of 33 | 42% | 7 of 22 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 16 of 43 | 37% | 9 of 30 | 5 of 9 | 2 of 4 | 16 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 13 of 40 | 32% | 9 of 32 | 2 of 6 | 2 of 2 | 13 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 32 of 57 | 56% | 25 of 48 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 32 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 11 of 38 | 28% | 6 of 29 | 5 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Allen (-250), Chikadze (+205)
Round 1
A relevant featherweight encounter kicks off the main card of UFC 304, with Britain’s Allen (19-3, 10-2 UFC) trying to snap a two-fight skid at the expense of Georgian striker Chikadze (15-3, 8-1 UFC). The fans have picked their side on this one, and it is safe to say they are not rooting for the man who calls himself “Ninja.” Referee Marc Goddard will observe the proceedings for the next 15 minutes or less, and he sits back as the combatants opt not to touch gloves. Chikadze tests the waters early with a head kick, and he fires it a second time as Allen has his guard up for both of them. Chikadze kicks the side and then the front leg, only to go up high. Allen catches a body kick and tries to take Chikadze for a ride, but Chikadze bounces away and lands a kick on the way out. Allen walks him down, dinging Chikadze with a left hook as Chikadze continues to spam kicks to all three targets. Chikadze jabs and settles down, aiming a second to the chest and staying light on his feet. Allen cannot find his way in, hand-fighting and taking a body kick when trying. Chikadze sits down on a straight right hand when Allen bears down on him, and Allen takes it like a champ and gives back a high kick that hits the shoulder. Chikadze’s head kicks are all blocked, but the front forearm of his foe is reddening after absorbing the quick blows. Allen sticks a jab and ducks down to work the body before Chikadze can get away, and Chikadze gives him a body kick back to think about. A spinning wheel kick from Chikadze goes wide, and his high kick pounds into the glove of his foe. Allen responds with a single body kick, and Chikadze splits the guard with a straight right hand and follows with two speedy body kicks. Chikadze scores a check left hook and is met with a counter left hand, and Allen walks after him tossing out a kick easily blocked. Allen walks into a punch and a kick, and Chikadze pecks at him with a front kick as he constantly mixes up his attacks. Allen connects at the end of a right hand, shaking Chikadze up for a moment, but Chikadze does not back himself into a corner and instead reaches with his own right. Allen tries to wind up with leaping shots, and Chikadze is evasive and hard to get hands on. Allen ducks right into a knee, and he wobbles to the side and punts Chikadze in the face with the ball of his foot. As the Brit raises his arms in the air, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
Allen rushes out of his corner to attack, landing a right hand out of the gate. Chikadze hand-fights to block anything else aimed his way, and he slides away from two left hooks. Chikadze zings a high kick that brushes his foe’s hair, and Allen aims a body shot in response. Allen scores a solid calf kick and powers out with a left hand, only to be met with three piston-like jabs. Allen chops at the front calf, and Chikadze gives him one right back and jabs him to boot. Allen scores two punches, and he just avoids getting blasted with a step-in knee. Allen rings Chikadze’s bell with a straight left hand, and Chikadze has to take a quick count of his teeth. Chikadze’s speed gives Allen issues, but Allen is ignoring the strikes he absorbs and coming back with venom. Allen blocks a high kick and reaches out with a left to the sternum, and his hands are high to defend against another head kick. Chikadze shakes Allen up with a head kick, and Allen knocks him back with a left hand. Chikadze shakes it off and strafes to the side, constantly moving to not remain a stationary target. Chikadze has an uppercut come up short, and Allen nearly cuts him off with a one-two. Chikadze lands, Allen gives him one back, and Chikadze is away and spamming kicks. Allen beans “Ninja” with a solid left hand, drawing blood from both nostrils. Allen has his leg kicked out on the way in, but he still manages to get off a wide left hand. Allen chambers and fires left hands, and Chikadze prods his front leg with a kick and slips the overhand left. Allen catches him with another left, and he shoves away a leaping Chikadze and kicks high. Chikadze responds with a body kick, and the back-and-forth round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 3
The Brit chases Chikadze around the cage as soon as the last round begins, and he manages to get his hands on Chikadze with a left hand or two. Allen walks the Georgian down, and he dodges two punches and reaches with a single shot that smears blood on Chikadze’s forehead. Chikadze comes back firing with a left over the top, and he has a body kick reach before Allen can get to him. Allen front kicks his man and elbows his way in, and Chikadze escapes as fast as he can. Allen rips a body shot and Chikadze is still ready to sling back high kicks, but they have far less sting on them than before. Allen gets off a left, takes two body kicks and continues pressuring his man around the Octagon. Chikadze steps in with a right hand and responds with a heavy left, and he follows him along with another hard left. Allen’s left hand is again accurate, and Chikadze springs into action with a body kick and a punch. Allen goes to the body and then kicks on the other side, and his left hand is hurled at Chikadze’s pectoral. Allen tosses a front kick aside and catches his foe with a left hook, and Chikadze spins but does not release anything. Allen eats a body kick without flinching so he can unload punches, and he puts a one-two down the pipe and chases Chikadze with a right. Allen ends the fight with a jump knee, and the two share an embrace and have a conversation after 15 minutes of striking.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Allen)
The Official Result
Arnold Allen def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Arnold Allen, noting that despite Allen being on a two-fight skid, those losses were to top competition (Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev). He argues that Allen looked better in those losses than Giga did in his win over Alex Caceres, where Giga was slow and threw few combinations. Angelo expects Allen to control the striking rhythm and predicts a decision win, possibly hitting the over on rounds.
Cody picks Arnold Allen, citing his fast starts and wrestling. He notes that Giga Chikadze has not faced many wrestlers and was taken down by Calvin Kattar, who is not known for wrestling. Cody believes Allen can pressure Giga, mix in takedowns, and win a decision. He also points out that Giga is older, injury-prone, and has had long layoffs, while Allen is a step down in competition after fighting Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev.
Daniel picks Arnold Allen, citing his grappling advantage and youth. He believes Allen can out-grapple Chikadze and should avoid kickboxing with the kickboxer. He notes Allen has more gas in the tank despite two straight losses.
Daniel likes Arnold Allen's southpaw calf kicks and blitzing style but dislikes the price (-230). He thinks Giga Chikadze has cardio issues and can be drained by takedowns. He expects a close fight likely going the distance and picks Allen to edge it out.
Jeff picks Arnold Allen, noting he can win on the feet as well as by grappling. He praises Allen's body defense (except against Max Holloway) and his volume. He points out Chikadze sometimes takes long to get going and lacks volume, which Allen can exploit. He expects the line to be closer but still takes Allen.
Paul leans towards Giga Chikadze as a dog, citing the value at plus 205. He believes if the fight stays on the feet, it will be competitive and Giga has the striking advantage. Paul acknowledges the risks of jet lag and the UK crowd but thinks the line is too wide. He expects a competitive fight and is willing to take the dog.
The MMA Guru picks Arnold Allen, believing he can use his offensive grappling to exploit Giga Chikadze's takedown defense. He notes that Chikadze has been exposed on the ground every time he's been taken down. The Guru also thinks Allen is close to Max Holloway's level, as shown in their fight, and that Chikadze's win over Alex Caceres was unimpressive. He predicts Allen will win by decision, possibly 29-28, using grappling in the later rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 65 of 141 | 46% | 65 of 141 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 62 of 168 | 36% | 62 of 168 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 17 of 30 | 56% | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 15 of 39 | 38% | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 23 of 44 | 52% | 23 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 24 of 61 | 39% | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 25 of 67 | 37% | 25 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Alex Caceres | 0 | 23 of 68 | 33% | 23 of 68 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 65 of 141 | 46% | 25 of 83 | 22 of 38 | 18 of 20 | 65 of 139 | 0 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 62 of 168 | 36% | 25 of 110 | 25 of 44 | 12 of 14 | 62 of 168 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 17 of 30 | 56% | 7 of 16 | 5 of 8 | 5 of 6 | 17 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 15 of 39 | 38% | 5 of 23 | 5 of 10 | 5 of 6 | 15 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 23 of 44 | 52% | 14 of 30 | 4 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 24 of 61 | 39% | 8 of 40 | 12 of 16 | 4 of 5 | 24 of 61 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 25 of 67 | 37% | 4 of 37 | 13 of 21 | 8 of 9 | 25 of 66 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Alex Caceres | 23 of 68 | 33% | 12 of 47 | 8 of 18 | 3 of 3 | 23 of 68 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Chikadze (-245), Caceres (+200)
Round 1
A hotly anticipated featherweight scrap heats up the room in Southeast Asia. Chikadze finds his way back into the cage for the first time in more than a year and looks to rebound from a decision defeat to Calvin Kattar that put an end to his nine-fight winning streak. Caceres appears to be enjoying a mid-career resurgence, with victories seven of his past eight bouts. Marc Goddard gets the nod to officiate. Caceres opens with a side kick to the body and looks light on his feet. Chikadze stalks from the center of the cage and uses feints to back up the Miami native. Caceres connects with a crisp one-two, then stomps at the knee. Chikadze partially blocks and spinning backfist and targets the body with one of his patented kicks. Caceres controls the center of the cage but eats a right hand over the top. His unorthodox style seems to be giving Chikadze trouble. Caceras throws in a jab, follows it with a low kick and misfires on a Superman punch. Chikadze still throwing in single strikes. So far, Caceres is holding his own on the feet. Chikadze meets him with a jab in the center of the cage, as Caceres lunges in and out with punches. They trade right hands as the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Caceres
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Caceres
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
Caceres once again gets out of the gate first. Chikadze looks keen to counter, but the Georgian is still only throwing one shot at a time. Lack of output is limiting his effectiveness. Chikadze follows a sharp jab with a right cross. The Kings MMA rep seems to have found his rang and timing, as he starts to connect in combination. Caceres dives in with a right hook to the body and exits without absorbing anything in return. Chikadze steps into a right hand, then follows a jab with a heavy straight right, snapping back his counterpart’s head. There is a noticeable difference in the impact of their shots. Chikadze uncorks a kicks to the body, backs out of the pocket and answers a leg kick with a right cross. Momentum has definitely shifted here.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 3
Chikadze gives Caceres pause with a head kick to start Round 3, then rattles him with a jarring right hook. The Georgian counters a low kick with an overhand right and continues to land the more impactful blows. Caceres probably needs to alter his strategy, though he punctuates a nice combination with a partially blocked head kick. The Miami native smiles, as Chikadze remains stoic and hunts opportunities. Kicks to the leg and body back up Caceres, who is swinging and missing far more often now. Chikadze steps into another right hand, nearly spinning around “The Ultimate Fighter” Season 12 graduate. With 90 seconds left, Caceres needs to put forth something significant. Chikadze circles on the outside and delivers a heavy kick to the chest. A two-punch volley comes next. Caceres is running out of time. Chikadze counters while moving backward and chews up the remaining seconds on the clock.
Sherdog Scores
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (29-28 Chikadze)
Tudor Leonte scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (29-28 Chikadze)
J.L. Kirven scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze (30-27 Chikadze)
The Official Result
Giga Chikadze def. Alex Caceres—Unanimous Decision (30-27, 30-37, 30-27)
Angelo sees Giga as the much better striker and dangerous, but worries about the long layoff (1.5 years) and takedown defense issues from past losses. He notes that Caceres is a tough veteran with good scrambles. He picks Giga but is undecided on betting him, as the layoff and Caceres' toughness give him pause.
Big Brady acknowledges Giga Chikadze's long layoff and loss to Calvin Kattar but sees this as a good matchup for him. He notes that Alex Caceres doesn't use his wrestling and prefers to strike, which favors Giga. He believes Giga is the better striker with more power and tools, and expects him to win a kickboxing fight by decision.
Cody is tempted by the underdog line on Caceres but ultimately picks Chikadze. He notes that Caceres has a grappling advantage but may not be able to get takedowns against a high-level striker. Chikadze's striking is elite and he should win if he keeps it standing. Cody is not highly confident due to the 16-month layoff and grappling risk.
Daniel picks Giga Chikadze, noting that this is a major step down in competition from Calvin Kattar. He believes Giga's power advantage is one-sided and that Caceres doesn't have the power to hurt him. He acknowledges concerns about Giga's layoff and surgeries, but thinks he cruises to a victory, possibly by knockout. He mentions that Caceres has a grappling edge but rarely uses takedowns.
James picks Alex Caceres as an underdog, citing Giga's long layoff, age (35), and the beating he took from Calvin Kattar. He believes Caceres can keep the striking close and has a massive grappling edge if the fight goes to the mat. He notes Giga gasses quickly after grappling exchanges, and Caceres could submit him or win via cardio advantage. He sees value at +210.
The host notes Giga Chikadze has been out for over a year and was exposed by Calvin Kattar's grappling. He believes Caceres is in his best form, with an unorthodox striking style and a dangerous Jiu-Jitsu game. The host expects Caceres to stifle Chikadze's early power, take the fight to the ground, and possibly find a submission. He calls the +210 odds 'crazy' and picks Caceres by decision.
Paul agrees with Cody, noting that Caceres' path to victory is via grappling, but Chikadze's striking is superior. He mentions Caceres' loss to Yusuff as a blueprint for how this fight could go. Paul is not confident enough to bet Chikadze at the price.
The MMA Guru picks Alex Caceres as an underdog over Giga Chikadze, envisioning Caceres finding a back take and rear-naked choke. He notes Caceres' momentum and two-fight winning streak, and Chikadze's struggles against well-rounded opponents who threaten takedowns. He believes Chikadze's best performances are against pure strikers, and Caceres' grappling threat will make Chikadze second-guess. He predicts a submission in round two via standing back take.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Kattar | 1 | 144 of 402 | 35% | 157 of 418 | 2 of 7 | 28% | 1 | 1 | 3:42 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 128 of 347 | 36% | 129 of 348 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:09 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 4 of 7 | 57% | 17 of 23 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 1 | 3:19 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 8 of 19 | 42% | 9 of 20 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 28 of 81 | 34% | 28 of 81 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 38 of 99 | 38% | 38 of 99 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 25 of 87 | 28% | 25 of 87 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:08 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 22 of 67 | 32% | 22 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Calvin Kattar | 0 | 36 of 102 | 35% | 36 of 102 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 28 of 70 | 40% | 28 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Calvin Kattar | 1 | 51 of 125 | 40% | 51 of 125 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 32 of 92 | 34% | 32 of 92 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calvin Kattar | 144 of 402 | 35% | 127 of 369 | 13 of 28 | 4 of 5 | 135 of 390 | 2 of 2 | 7 of 10 |
| Giga Chikadze | 128 of 347 | 36% | 94 of 297 | 27 of 41 | 7 of 9 | 127 of 344 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Calvin Kattar | 4 of 7 | 57% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 |
| Giga Chikadze | 8 of 19 | 42% | 4 of 14 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Calvin Kattar | 28 of 81 | 34% | 26 of 77 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 23 of 75 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 4 |
| Giga Chikadze | 38 of 99 | 38% | 30 of 89 | 8 of 10 | 0 of 0 | 38 of 99 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Calvin Kattar | 25 of 87 | 28% | 22 of 78 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 | 25 of 87 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 22 of 67 | 32% | 18 of 61 | 1 of 2 | 3 of 4 | 22 of 67 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Calvin Kattar | 36 of 102 | 35% | 32 of 94 | 3 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 36 of 102 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Giga Chikadze | 28 of 70 | 40% | 20 of 57 | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 27 of 67 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Calvin Kattar | 51 of 125 | 40% | 45 of 115 | 5 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 48 of 121 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 |
| Giga Chikadze | 32 of 92 | 34% | 22 of 76 | 10 of 16 | 0 of 0 | 32 of 92 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The main event kicks off, with referee Keith Peterson having banished all vestiges of nonsense from the premises by means of ancient, arcane and forbidden magic. The first strike of the fight is a right outside leg kick by Chikadze. He lands another, then a front kick to the chin. Kattar is coming forward, switching stances and throwing jabs from both sides. Chikadze is backpedaling and using lateral movement to avoid being backed into the fence. Chikadze lands a low kick, followed by a kick to the body. Kattar times the next one and explodes forward for a huge takedown. Kattar lands in half guard. Two minutes gone in the round, and Kattar is heavy on top, denying a hip escape. Kattar looking to pass to side control, but can’t. Chikadze stuffs him back to a deep half guard. Kattar briefly contemplates isolating the far arm, but Chikadze is active with his hips and Kattar is forced to hold him down. Chikadze grabs a guillotine, but Kattar hops to the opposite side. Chikadze sweeps to top, but Kattar has an arm-triangle from the bottom and moves to the back. Kattar is working with a body triangle from the back, throwing punches as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Round 2
Chikadze lands a solid body kick. Kattar comes into punching range and Chikadze lands a pair of hooks to the body, followed by a left kick. Kattar counters a body kick with a sharp left hand. Kattar is still coming forward relentlessly, switching stances frequently, and Chikadze is having trouble adjusting, even as he lands. Kattar lands a hard right hook that hurts Chikadze. Kattar tries dropping for a single leg, but Chikadze evades it easily. Kattar lands a two-punch combination, followed by a step-in elbow. Chikadze retreats, and Kattar keeps the pressure on. Under a minute left, and “The Boston Finisher” has all the momentum. Chikadze lands a pair of punches, and Kattar responds with a spinning back elbow that lands flush. Kattar lands a takedown at the 10-second clapper and nails Chikadze with a couple of punches before he can stand. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Round 3
Kattar continues to come forward, pressuring Chikadze, and lands a one-two. Kattar is in control, and Chikadze is starting to look tired, discouraged or both. Chikadze lands an outside calf kick, then another. Kattar lands a right cross, and Chikadze whiffs on a counter. Kattar drops for a single-leg and chases Chikadze all the way across the Octagon with it, where the Georgian uses a fence grab to steady himself, lets it go quickly, but not before it succeeds in foiling the takedown. Under two minutes left and they’re standing in the center of the cage again. Kattar’s jab is busting Chikadze up. Chikadze lands a pair of hard punches, but stumbles afterward, off-balance or just fatigued. Kattar comes forward with 30 seconds left and throws a one-two and a body kick. Chikadze catches Kattar with a flush right and takes another back elbow for his trouble, right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Round 4
The main event rounds open up with both men’s face showing wear, but Chikadze’s more so. Kattar walks him down and lands a jab. And another. Chikadze denies a takedown attempt against the cage. Kattar’s jab is once again right in Chikadze’s face as the Bostonian moves forward. Kattar throws another step-in elbow. Chikadze throws a body kick, but Kattar punishes him with a three-punch combo. Halfway through the round, Kattar catches a kick and marches forward, throwing punches while holding the leg. Chikadze lands a solid straight left, but the volume advantage is definitely with Kattar. They land simultaneous jabs. Kattar has busted the right eye of Chikadze badly, cuts above as well as below. The horn sounds on another easy Kattar round.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar
Round 5
The final round begins as the other four did, with Kattar marching forward and cutting off the cage, but Chikadze explodes forward and tags him with a flurry of punches. Kattar keeps coming, though, and lands his own relentless volley of jabs. Chikadze lands a body kick, but Kattar is just overwhelming him. Kattar lands a high kick of his own. Chikadze comes forward, and Kattar counters with elbow strikes from both sides, then throws a kick up the middle. The round hits its halfway point, and Chikadze is still doing his best to find the finish he clearly knows he needs, but Kattar is far fresher and answering everything with two or more strikes to one. Kattar begins looking for bigger single shots on the flagging Chikadze, and lands a couple, leaving the Georgian stumbling backward. Kattar lands another spinning back elbow. Chikadze throws a kick up the middle. Under 30 seconds left and both men are still looking for the knockout. Kattar drops Chikadze with an elbow strike with under 10 seconds left, and referee Peterson looks on closely as he follows up with punches, but the round expires. Complete bell-to-bell performance by Calvin Kattar.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Kattar (50-45 Kattar)
The Official Result
Calvin Kattar def. Giga Chikadze via Unanimous Decision (50-45, 50-45, 50-44)
Angelo picks Chikadze as the safe pick, citing his phenomenal striking, kicks, and range management. He notes Kattar is a live underdog with excellent boxing and a wrestling background that could pose problems if he pressures. He mentions possibly sprinkling a bet on Kattar.
Big Brady admits he has been a Giga Chikadze hater but acknowledges Giga's improvements, especially his cardio in the Omar Morales fight. He notes Giga has never seen the fourth or fifth round and has slowed down in the past, while Calvin Kattar has a steel chin and absorbs strikes. Brady expects Giga to win the first three rounds and take a decision, but is hesitant due to the five-round distance and Kattar's durability. He does not like the moneyline at -233 and would not bet it.
Cody picks Giga Chikadze, emphasizing his clean kickboxing and ability to dictate range with kicks. He notes Kattar struggles against longer opponents and that Giga's cardio looked solid in recent fights. He worries about Giga's takedown defense but doubts Kattar will wrestle. He suggests betting Kattar live after the second or third round if he survives the early onslaught.
Daniel Levi picks Giga Chikadze to win and be the first to finish Calvin Kattar via strikes. He argues that Kattar is a one-dimensional boxer with a negative strike differential, and that Giga's diverse striking—especially body kicks and head kicks—will be too much. He notes Giga has improved his cardio and grappling, citing his anaconda attempt on Barboza and brown belt in jiu-jitsu. Levi acknowledges Kattar's toughness and right hand but believes Giga's precision and power will prevail. He placed 5 units on Giga at -215.
The host believes Giga Chikadze's kick-heavy game plan will be the key to victory, targeting Calvin Kattar's legs which have historically been a weakness. He notes that Kattar is the better technical boxer, but Chikadze's diverse kicking attacks (leg, body, head) and ability to switch targets will slow Kattar down. The host is confident Chikadze can implement this strategy effectively, though he acknowledges the fight could go the distance if Kattar absorbs the kicks and keeps moving forward. He ultimately picks Chikadze by decision, but also considers an inside-the-distance finish possible.
Paul leans toward Giga Chikadze as the better striker, noting that if the fight stays at kicking range, Kattar will get torn up. He acknowledges Kattar's boxing and pressure but believes Giga's kicks and range control are decisive. He mentions the line is close to accurate but doesn't love the -235 price. He suggests Kattar might have a path via wrestling, but considers it unlikely.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze to win by decision, citing Chikadze's superior kicking game and Kattar's well-known vulnerability to leg kicks, as exposed by Renato Moicano. He notes that Kattar is a slow starter who struggles with kicks, and coming off a year-long layoff after taking massive damage against Max Holloway, he expects Kattar to be even more hesitant early. Chikadze's activity (three fights in the past year) and improved takedown defense are also factors, as Kattar is unlikely to wrestle. However, he acknowledges Kattar is a good underdog and could pull off an upset if he survives the early kicking onslaught.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 0 | 33 of 95 | 34% | 33 of 95 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Edson Barboza | 2 | 60 of 117 | 51% | 70 of 128 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:41 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 10 of 26 | 38% | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Edson Barboza | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 19 of 56 | 33% | 19 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Edson Barboza | 0 | 22 of 47 | 46% | 22 of 47 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 0 | 4 of 13 | 30% | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Edson Barboza | 2 | 21 of 27 | 77% | 31 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 0 | 0:41 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 33 of 95 | 34% | 15 of 70 | 10 of 15 | 8 of 10 | 33 of 95 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Edson Barboza | 60 of 117 | 51% | 31 of 80 | 16 of 22 | 13 of 15 | 56 of 113 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 10 of 26 | 38% | 4 of 17 | 3 of 4 | 3 of 5 | 10 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Edson Barboza | 17 of 43 | 39% | 6 of 27 | 5 of 8 | 6 of 8 | 17 of 43 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Giga Chikadze | 19 of 56 | 33% | 8 of 41 | 6 of 10 | 5 of 5 | 19 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Edson Barboza | 22 of 47 | 46% | 10 of 33 | 6 of 8 | 6 of 6 | 22 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Giga Chikadze | 4 of 13 | 30% | 3 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Edson Barboza | 21 of 27 | 77% | 15 of 20 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 17 of 23 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The moment we’ve all been waiting for has arrived, with respect to those participating on the 29th season of TUF. Two powerful, flashy strikers with eerily similar striking stats toe the line when Barboza (22-9, 16-9 UFC) faces Chikadze (13-2, 6-0 UFC). For Barboza, he can cement his place as a contender at featherweight; for Chikadze, he can announce himself to the world as a legitimate top-tier 145er. Referee Jason Herzog is holding down the fort for this one, and gloves are not touched before they are traded heavily and in high intensity. The first strike of the match comes from Chikadze, who lands a leg kick. Barboza returns fire with his own kick, and the featherweights are coiled and ready to strike. Barboza starts to walk Chikadze down, backing him up into the fence, and he is forced to try to check a quick leg kick. Barboza checks a body kick with a high knee, but an inside chopping kick lands. When Barboza fires off a leg kick, it gets checked as well. Chikadze goes high with a kick that brushes past Barboza’s head, and the Brazilian looks surprised as it zooms at him. Chikadze leaps in the air with a check flying knee, and Barboza just sees it coming in time to avoid it. When Barboza has a calf kick checked, he fires off another that does not get blocked. Barboza looks to feint his way in and he blocks a high kick and checks a body kick with his quick reflexes. Barboza wings an overhand left, and Chikadze is barely able to get out of the way lest it lop his head off. Chikadze spins with a kick to the body, and Barboza marches through it and lands a few punches. Barboza trips Chikadze on the way when Chikadze tries to press the action, and he stands back defiantly as Chikadze aims a flying knee. When Barboza connects with a leg kick, Chikadze points at his leg and then fires off two high kicks. Chikadze drills the body with a kick, and he might have Barboza smarting as Barboza chomps down on his mouthpiece and throws winging punches. Chikadze strides after him confidently, landing a few and evading the counters. Chikadze rips the body with a kick, and he targets the liver and points at Barboza. A high kick and an axe kick attempt from the Georgian conclude the kick-heavy round.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Chikadze
Round 2
The featherweights trade calf kicks initially, and Barboza is the one to try to throw hands as he swings a right hand. He times a Chikadze flying knee to kick him up the body, and he stands tall to score when Chikadze lands. Chikadze circles around the outer edge of the fence to chop at the Brazilian with kicks, and Barboza comes up short when trying to give chase. Chikadze connects with a left hand and a liver kick, and Barboza gives chase as he absorbs a stunning right hand. Barboza shakes it off and keeps pressuring Chikadze, where he lands a trio of punches on the way in. Chikadze lets loose a high kick and a liver kick in rapid succession, and the kick to the side keeps finding its home. Barboza scores a calf kick that makes the Georgian changes stances, and Chikadze whips up a high kick with his lead leg. Barboza rips the body with a right hand, and he checks the vaunted “Giga kick” with a high knee block. The Brazilian continues his assault on the body with big hooks and kicks, and Chikadze backs off right into an overhand right. Barboza plods forward as Chikadze appears to be slowing to a degree, allowing him to cut Chikadze off and set up strikes. Barboza nails the lead leg with a heavy kick, and Chikadze tries to return fire with an axe kick but he gets jabbed for his effort. Chikadze gets off a pair of punches as Barboza walks him down like a Brazilian Terminator, and Barboza keeps on drilling punches to the body. Chikadze spams a few axe kicks that hit nothing but his foe’s guard, and Barboza stabs his toes to the midsection. Barboza sweeps the leg, and Chikadze comes back at him with a single leg kick before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Barboza
Round 3
Barboza takes the center of the cage and doubles up on a jab, and Chikadze is ready to fire back but misses the mark when Barboza ducks. Barboza sticks out a few more jabs as Chikadze backs away, and the Georgian scores a kick to the knee when Barboza tries to come at him. Chikadze blasts Barboza with a huge right hand, and Barboza is suddenly on the ropes as Chikadze walks him down to try to do damage. Barboza’s eye is busted up, and Chikadze charges with a barrage of punches. A few right hands knock Barboza back, and Barboza is in trouble and falls over to the ground. Chikadze looks to finish the job as he lands a few punches from on top, and Barboza holds on tight to clear the cobwebs. Barboza looks for a heel hook from his back as he is hurt badly, and when he sits up in it, the Georgian latches on to an anaconda choke out of nowhere. Barboza walks off the cage to break the grip of the choke, and he powers his way to his knees and then back to his feet.
Barboza is still on baby deer legs when he gets back up, and Chikadze takes note this and drops the hammer with a trio of punches that sends Barboza crashing back down to the canvas. Herzog has seen enough, sensing that Barboza may be out even if he is able to amble back to his feet.
“Ninja” successfully puts himself on the map with a wild performance over a perennial contender, and he thanks his opponent for the opportunity and the tough challenge. In his post-fight interview, Chikadze says he would be glad to fill in if a competitor in the featherweight title fight falls through, but if not, that there is a certain Hawaiian in his sights – Max Holloway. Should that striker’s delight come to fruition, we will be here for it, and we hope you are too.
The Official Result
Giga Chikadze def. Edson Barboza R3 1:44 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Barboza, citing his leg kicks as the difference, veteran savvy, and more tools (jiu-jitsu, experience). He notes Chikadze is the future but hasn't faced leg kicks. He has Barboza in his DraftKings lineup at 8200 and calls the fight razor thin.
Cody picks Barboza but is hesitant, noting Barboza's age (35) and the risk that Giga could have a breakout performance. He values Barboza's experience and durability, having faced top competition, while Giga's resume is softer. Cody is worried about Giga's cardio after seeing him slow in round three against Jamall Emmers, and thinks Barboza's volume and wrestling advantage could be key if he survives the early danger. He already bet Barboza at -110 and says he won't have high investment.
Jacob picks Chikadze, calling him an assassin who is on another level. He notes Chikadze is never in trouble and controls distance. He got Chikadze at +100 and has him in his lineup for five rounds, expecting a war. He also placed a half-unit bet on Chikadze in the third round.
Lock leans slightly to Barboza, citing his volume and pace advantage over Giga. He believes Barboza's durability at 145 has held up and that Giga's cardio issues will be exposed in a five-round fight. Lock expects Barboza to get a finish in the later rounds, specifically liking the under 4.5 rounds and Barboza by KO at +270. He notes Giga's power is dangerous early but thinks Barboza's experience and activity will be the difference.
Paul picks Barboza, citing Barboza's higher striking volume and Giga's cardio issues seen in the Emmers fight. He notes Barboza's wrestling advantage and thinks if Barboza gets through the first two rounds, he'll be even stronger. Paul is scared away from Giga by his third-round fade against Emmers. He also mentions the line moving toward Barboza but remains confident.
The Guru picks Edson Barboza over Giga Chikadze, citing Barboza's superior striking, experience in main events, and proven cardio at featherweight. He notes that Chikadze has close split decisions against Jamall Emmers and Brandon Davis, which are red flags. The Guru expects Barboza to chop Chikadze's legs with calf kicks and win a decision, possibly 4 rounds to 1. He also mentions Barboza's takedown option as a potential factor.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Our co-main event comes in the form of a striker’s delight at featherweight between the old guard of Swanson (27-11, 12-7 UFC) against the relatively young gun in Chikadze (12-2, 5-0 UFC). Whether this is a passing of the torch or a reminder that there is still something left in the tank, referee Jason Herzog will oversee the affair. There is no touch of gloves, as Chikadze begins his fight with a few kicks. Swanson looks to close the distance early, and he walks through a few kicks to reach out with a big overhand right. The Georgia circles away on the outside, and he gets off a right hand that makes Swanson take a few steps back.
The kickboxer slings a high kick and sneaks out a left hand, and he releases a thunderous body kick he titles his “Giga Kick” that slams square into Swanson’s liver. The longtime vet’s typically stoic expression contorts in pain as he backs away and falls to his knees. Swanson looks to reach out for any sort of desperation shot or leg grab, but Chikadze slips his leg out and starts pounding away.
It does not take more than a few punches for Herzog to call the fight off, and Georgian fighters have now stolen the night by winning across the board. This is our first official finish of the night – the Markos fight was a disqualification that ended by a foul – and the first time Swanson has been knocked out since Jose Aldo’s fateful double flying knee in 2009.
The Official Result
Giga Chikadze def. Cub Swanson R1 1:03 via TKO (Body Kick and Punches)
Big Brady picks Giga Chikadze to win a close decision, but he is hesitant and hates the line. He acknowledges Chikadze's improvements, especially in takedown defense and striking output, as seen in the Morales fight. However, he notes that Swanson is durable and on a roll, and that Chikadze has been taken down in the past. Brady thinks the line should be closer and that Swanson could be live if he wrestles more, but he ultimately goes with Chikadze's flashier strikes.
Cody sees Cub Swanson as a live underdog with many variables in his favor: savvy veteran experience, ground game advantage, and a history of performing well as an underdog. He notes that Swanson has a BJJ black belt and wrestling advantage, and that Giga has not faced a grappler who actually uses their ground game. However, he is concerned that Giga is tall for the division and a tricky striker, and that Swanson needs to use his wrestling to win. He labels this a 'dogger pass' situation and mentions DraftKings still has +160 available.
Daniel Levi picks Giga Chikadze to win, emphasizing that Chikadze is a superior striker with better range and footwork. He believes Cub Swanson's style of swinging big hooks plays into Chikadze's straight shots down the middle. Levi also notes that Swanson's recent win over Pineda is overrated and that Chikadze's cardio held up in his last fight.
The host picks Giga Chikadze by decision, citing his striking advantage and reach. He expects Giga to fight safe and outpoint Swanson, who may look for takedowns. He notes that Swanson is a veteran but believes Giga's kicking game will be too much.
Paul does not have a strong lean on this fight. He notes that Giga has been given favorable matchups and that Swanson has the ground game advantage, but he is not confident enough to make a pick. He mentions that the action is coming in on Swanson and that he can understand why, but he doesn't commit to a side.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze over Cub Swanson, citing Chikadze's size advantage, reach, and improving MMA skills. He notes that Swanson is a natural bantamweight and took damage in his last fight against Daniel Pineda. He predicts Chikadze will chop at Swanson's legs and jab his way to a 30-27 unanimous decision.
Cub Swanson - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 37 of 49 | 75% | 40 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Nate Landwehr | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 2 | 37 of 49 | 75% | 40 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
| Nate Landwehr | 0 | 15 of 30 | 50% | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 37 of 49 | 75% | 23 of 33 | 7 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 35 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nate Landwehr | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 37 of 49 | 75% | 23 of 33 | 7 of 7 | 7 of 9 | 35 of 46 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 3 |
| Nate Landwehr | 15 of 30 | 50% | 9 of 22 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 7 | 15 of 30 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Cub Swanson in his retirement fight, citing his superior technique, fight IQ, and all-around skills. He notes Landwehr's reliance on his chin, which has given out, and believes Swanson is the better fighter everywhere. He expects the crowd support to help in a decision.
Big Brady expects a war, noting both fighters are durable and willing to brawl. He thinks Landwehr could use his grappling to submit Swanson, who has been submitted seven times. He worries about Landwehr's recent knockout losses and damage taken, but leans Landwehr by submission in the second or third round.
Cody also picks Swanson, citing Landwehr's loss of speed and durability. He thinks Swanson's speed and volume will be too much for Landwehr, who has been knocked out recently.
Connor picks Landwehr, arguing that Swanson is too slow now and that Landwehr's pressure and durability will be too much. He notes that Swanson's last fight against Billy Quarantillo was tooth-and-nail, and that Swanson can't move his feet anymore. Connor believes Landwehr is still capable of winning a grimy pocket fight, and that Swanson's age (42) and layoff will catch up to him. He thinks Swanson will end up in Landwehr's kind of fight and get chin-checked.
Daniel respects Swanson but thinks Landwehr's pace and calf kicks will be too much for the 42-year-old. He sees Landwehr winning by accumulation of damage or submission.
Daniel Vreeland picks Nate Landwehr, believing that Landwehr's pressure, leg kicks, and grappling will overwhelm the aging Cub Swanson. He notes that Swanson's cardio fades after the first round and that Landwehr is durable and gets better as the fight goes on. He also mentions that Swanson's retirement fight may be a paycheck fight.
The host leans towards Landwehr due to Swanson's long layoff (2 years) at age 42, which could lead to significant decline. He notes Landwehr's more recent fight showed better cardio, while Swanson slowed in his last fights. He also thinks Landwehr is more likely to be fully focused, while Swanson has outside business distractions. However, he acknowledges both fighters are old and inconsistent, so confidence is low.
James picks Cub Swanson, citing his experience in wars and technical striking advantage. He acknowledges Landwehr's pressure but believes Swanson's durability and power will prevail.
Swanson's technical striking and counter-punching should be the difference. Landwehr is durable but tends to run into shots and has been knocked out recently. Swanson's footwork and experience allow him to land clean counters. Landwehr may try to grapple, but Swanson's defensive grappling is solid. Swanson should get the knockout in his retirement fight.
Paul picks Swanson, noting his experience, speed, and training with young killers. He believes Landwehr's durability is declining and Swanson's crisp striking will prevail.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson over Nate Landwehr. He believes Swanson still has it, with recent wins over Billy Quarantillo and a split decision with Andre Fili. He notes Landwehr gets caught and KO'd, and Swanson can land a looping overhand. He predicts a TKO win in round one or two, with Swanson having a retirement send-off.
Zane picks Swanson, arguing that Landwehr is too simplistic and one-dimensional. He notes that Swanson still has head movement and pocket comfort, and that Landwehr has no footwork, feints, or subtlety. Zane believes Swanson can outclass Landwehr, comparing it to Swanson fighting a downgraded version of Jeremy Stevens. He acknowledges Swanson's age but thinks his experience and savvy will prevail. He hopes Swanson wins and retires on a high note.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 99 of 158 | 62% | 114 of 173 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:10 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 97 of 237 | 40% | 108 of 249 | 3 of 11 | 27% | 0 | 0 | 2:07 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 39 of 57 | 68% | 40 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 37 of 88 | 42% | 37 of 88 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 0:14 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 40 of 69 | 57% | 54 of 83 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 38 of 105 | 36% | 49 of 117 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 1:38 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 20 of 32 | 62% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 0 | 22 of 44 | 50% | 22 of 44 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:15 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 99 of 158 | 62% | 74 of 127 | 13 of 18 | 12 of 13 | 95 of 154 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 97 of 237 | 40% | 65 of 188 | 20 of 32 | 12 of 17 | 91 of 222 | 6 of 15 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 39 of 57 | 68% | 23 of 38 | 7 of 10 | 9 of 9 | 39 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 37 of 88 | 42% | 22 of 66 | 6 of 10 | 9 of 12 | 37 of 87 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 40 of 69 | 57% | 35 of 61 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 36 of 65 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 38 of 105 | 36% | 31 of 91 | 6 of 12 | 1 of 2 | 32 of 91 | 6 of 14 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 20 of 32 | 62% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Billy Quarantillo | 22 of 44 | 50% | 12 of 31 | 8 of 10 | 2 of 3 | 22 of 44 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo leans toward Quarantillo because he will be a touch faster with better movement, but he acknowledges Cub Swanson's toughness and all-around skills. He notes Quarantillo's aggression, BJJ, and volume striking, while Swanson is old and slow but still dangerous. He is considering betting the over 1.5 rounds and a plus 3.5 spread on Swanson, expecting a close decision.
Big Brady picks Billy Quarantillo to win by third-round submission. He thinks Quarantillo's pressure, volume, and grappling can break Swanson, especially if he gets the fight to the mat. He notes Swanson has been submitted many times. However, he worries about Quarantillo's chin and durability, as Swanson still has power.
Cody picks Billy Quarantillo, citing his high volume striking (7.36 strikes per minute), pressure, and submission threat. He notes Cub Swanson's age (41), mileage, and recent losses, and believes Billy's pace and durability will overwhelm Cub. Cody also mentions the hometown advantage for Billy in Tampa.
Connor also picks Swanson, citing that Quarantillo's style is similar to Colby Covington's and ages out quickly. He notes that Swanson is still sharp and dangerous, with better boxing and power, and that Quarantillo's wrestling is not a reliable path to victory. Connor thinks Quarantillo may be 'shot' and that Swanson's experience will prevail.
Daniel Vreeland picks Cub Swanson for the upset, despite being a fan of Billy Quarantillo. He argues that Quarantillo's comeback style relies on taking damage early, and at 36, that may be harder to sustain. Vreeland notes Swanson's speed, accuracy, and experience in wars, comparing this to Swanson's fight against Darren Elkins. He believes Swanson will land significant damage before Quarantillo can drag him into deep waters.
Lucrative James picks Cub Swanson as an underdog, acknowledging it's a close fight. He believes Swanson has more knockout upside early and can land heavy shots to stop Quarantillo's pressure. He notes Swanson's veteran savvy and power, but admits concerns about Swanson's age (41) and potential cardio decline. He sees value in Swanson at plus odds, though he is not fully confident.
Quarantillo's relentless and smothering grappling style will cause Cub Swanson trouble. He will crowd Swanson's space, jump on his back, and sink in a rear-naked choke, with the finish coming within 10 minutes.
Paul picks Billy Quarantillo but with some hesitation. He notes that Billy's pace can be stifled by wrestling, but Cub Swanson is unlikely to use that approach. Paul sees it as a standup affair where Billy's volume and pressure should win out, though he acknowledges Cub's toughness and the possibility of a competitive first round.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson as an underdog, calling Billy Quarantillo 'absolute garbage'. He criticizes Quarantillo's lack of explosiveness and poor distance management, and notes that Swanson has better hands, power, and body work. He predicts Swanson will target the body and possibly get a body shot TKO in round two. He also notes that Quarantillo has been exposed in recent fights.
Zane picks Swanson because Quarantillo's pressure style is aging poorly and he has been getting hurt and finished in recent fights. He notes that Swanson still has solid boxing fundamentals and power, and that Quarantillo's wrestling is not good enough to control Swanson, who is active off his back. Zane believes Quarantillo's style is falling apart.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Fili | 0 | 62 of 111 | 55% | 90 of 140 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:29 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 67 of 147 | 45% | 70 of 151 | 2 of 11 | 18% | 0 | 0 | 3:50 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Fili | 0 | 20 of 31 | 64% | 20 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:07 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 19 of 43 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Andre Fili | 0 | 12 of 29 | 41% | 22 of 39 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:19 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 18 of 35 | 51% | 18 of 35 | 1 of 4 | 25% | 0 | 0 | 2:27 | |
| 3 | Andre Fili | 0 | 30 of 51 | 58% | 48 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 31 of 70 | 44% | 33 of 73 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:23 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Andre Fili | 62 of 111 | 55% | 43 of 86 | 7 of 11 | 12 of 14 | 53 of 101 | 9 of 10 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 67 of 147 | 45% | 49 of 118 | 13 of 22 | 5 of 7 | 52 of 126 | 15 of 21 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Andre Fili | 20 of 31 | 64% | 9 of 18 | 3 of 4 | 8 of 9 | 18 of 29 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 42 | 42% | 12 of 31 | 4 of 8 | 2 of 3 | 13 of 36 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Andre Fili | 12 of 29 | 41% | 11 of 27 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 11 of 28 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 35 | 51% | 14 of 29 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 15 of 29 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Andre Fili | 30 of 51 | 58% | 23 of 41 | 4 of 6 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 44 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 31 of 70 | 44% | 23 of 58 | 5 of 8 | 3 of 4 | 24 of 61 | 7 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Fili (-245), Swanson (+200)
Round 1
A featherweight banger many may be surprised never happened to this point plays out in the Octagon next. The unfair recipient of some recent shade, WEC vet Swanson (29-13, 14-9 UFC) has had plenty of exceptional moments despite never winning gold in the UFC or in the confines of the blue WEC cage. On the other hand, Fili (23-11, 1 NC; 11-10, 1 NC UFC) always welcomes a brawl but he is a loss away from holding a .500 record in the UFC. Keeping tabs on this dark horse “Fight of the Night” candidate will be referee Jason Herzog. The longtime veterans partially touch gloves, but they are amped up to compete against one another as they face off in alternating stances. A committed strike does not come until 25 seconds in, when Swanson lands a low kick and pushes out a jab. Fili answers with his own jab, and his lead leg gets kicked two more times in the process. Swanson reaches out with a left hook, and he ducks down directly into a flush knee. Swanson does not mind, as he keeps chopping at the lead leg of his adversary. Fili lets fly a head kick that gets through the guard, and he chambers and fires a body kick with his other leg to great effect. Swanson walks him down, hands fairly low, and he jumps forward to snap the head back with a jab. Fili strafes to the side, looking for a jab but getting jabbed back in the process. Fili stays far enough away to potshot with body work, and he dodges the largest of Swanson’s hooks along the way. Swanson sits down on a heavy leg kick, and he targets a straight right hand to the solar plexus. “Killer Cub” follows the punch with two more up top, and Fili motions that he did not take the strikes flush. Swanson does not believe it, and he bears down on the Team Alpha Male fighter and clubs him with a number of powerful punches. Fili splits off and ends up getting grabbed in the clinch, and he frames off with an elbow and gets two thudding knees to the body before they separate. Swanson continues walking “Touchy” down, and he slips off-balance when throwing a strike and is countered on the way down. Swanson gets up with no issue, and he keeps his guard up to block a few jabs flying at him. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fili
Round 2
The fighters are so ready to get back to it, Herzog has to back them off before clocking in the round. They immediately start throwing, with Swanson aiming hooks and Fili trying to parry and counter. As Swanson keeps after him, Fili ducks down and hits a takedown. Swanson does not settle for being on his back, and he explodes back to his feet without concern. Fili jabs, and he gets countered by a Swanson right hook. Swanson reaches him with another right, and he smacks the front leg with a kick for good measure. Swanson gets off a big right hand, resulting in Fili grabbing hold of his leg to try to take the fight down. Swanson leans himself up against the cage wall, and Fili’s pressure slows the bout down to a crawl. Boos rain down, and Swanson tries to answer their call by escaping, to no avail. Swanson briefly gets his back away from the fencing, and Fili looks for a throw to put him back to it. Swanson elevates his foe briefly, and Fili realizes the threat and releases his grip so they separate. Swanson opens up with a right hand and a sharp jab, and Fili responds with a counter and shoots in on a takedown. Swanson looks around, irritated that he cannot stand and bang, but he otherwise defends the level change and remains on his feet. Fili gets spun around and has to keep his balance when Swanson sweeps the leg, and Fili breaks off to reset. Swanson pursues “Touchy” like a man on a mission, reaching him with power punches when he surges into action. Fili sits down on counters and knocks Swanson back, and he sticks his tongue out to celebrate. Swanson does not back off, instead plodding forward loading up on hooks that at least partially connect. Fili stops this in its tracks with a takedown shot, and Swanson is stuck against the fence with an elbow bouncing off his forehead. As the two move for position in the tie-up, the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Swanson
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Swanson
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Swanson
Round 3
The last round starts with a flurry, as Swanson walks Fili down with punches and gets kicked in the head as he comes in. Fili lands a solid punch to the body, and Swanson whips a head kick at him. Fili pushes him away and ties him up, but Swanson breaks free before absorbing a clinch strike. Swanson unloads with two punches, and Fili stuns him with a heavy left hook. Swanson swings for the bleachers with wide hooks, and Fili times one and shoots in for a single that puts Swanson down for a moment. Swanson climbs back up and gets away with a fence grab on his way up, and he defends himself from a lifted knee right before it tagged him. Fili knees him in the liver while they are clinched, and they dirty box one another. Fili gets just enough space to hammer him with an elbow, and a left hand from Fili on the break does not dissuade Swanson from following him around. Swanson punches his way in, and Fili lands last and perhaps a bit more powerfully. Swanson ducks an intercepting right hook to land his own right hand, and he blocks a head kick from close proximity to keep pressure on the Team Alpha Male product. Fili gets in his licks when trading hands with Swanson, and his short check hook connects several times. Swanson beans him with a right hand, and Fili sticks his tongue out and releases a counter that falls just short. Swanson leaps in with a right hand, and Fili kicks him on the calf on the way out. Swanson ducks a haymaker and accepts a leg kick so he can lunge forward with a left, resulting in Fili tying him up for a few seconds. Swanson pushes off and maintains his constant forward motion, no matter how hard Fili hits him. Swanson releases a bomb of a right hand that shakes Fili up, but Fili is quick to gather his thoughts and grab hold of Swanson to slow him down. Fili considers dropping down for a double, and Swanson gets free and wipes his hands off. Swanson blocks a head kick and just avoids a left hand so he can keep after Fili. Another two head kicks from Fili come, and Swanson avoids them and lets Fili have it with a final torrent of punches. Fili lets his hands go, and a wild exchange concludes the ultra-close fight.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Swanson (29-28 Swanson)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Fili (29-28 Fili)
The Official Result
Andre Fili def. Cub Swanson via Split Decision (28-29, 29-28, 29-28)
Cody picks Fili but is not confident due to his recent knockout losses. He notes that Fili is younger and faster, but his chin is questionable. Cody believes Fili's volume and wrestling could give him an edge, but acknowledges that Swanson is a fan favorite who often gets close decisions. He warns that Fili needs to finish Swanson to avoid a controversial decision loss.
Daniel is picking Swanson as a plus 210 underdog, citing Swanson's path to victory via knockout and his strong performance against Hakim Dawodu at similar odds. He notes that Fili is hot and cold and can be chinned. He envisions a retirement moment for Swanson where he knocks out Fili and puts his gloves down in the Octagon.
The host does not discuss this fight at all in the transcript. The entire podcast is focused on the Conor McGregor vs Michael Chandler fight, which is not on the provided fight card. Therefore, no pick is made for this fight.
The host picks Fili to win on the scorecards, but criticizes the -260 line as too high, saying Fili should be closer to -150 or -180. He expects a competitive striking battle that goes to decision, and recommends the over 2.5 rounds at -110. He notes Swanson is a live underdog at +210.
Paul picks Swanson, citing his experience and durability. He notes that Swanson has a history of winning close decisions and that Fili has been knocked out recently. Paul believes Swanson's volume and toughness will be key, and that he can win a decision or even catch Fili with a knockout. He also mentions that Swanson is a fan favorite, which may help in a close fight.
The Guru picks Andre Fili over Cub Swanson. He believes Fili is bigger, stronger, and more explosive at this stage. He notes Swanson's age (40) and size disadvantage. He likes Fili's low kicks and thinks he can finish Swanson by TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 77 of 156 | 49% | 107 of 195 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:25 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 95 of 176 | 53% | 129 of 224 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 3:10 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 23 of 42 | 54% | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 29 of 56 | 51% | 29 of 56 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 28 of 51 | 54% | 52 of 79 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 29 of 55 | 52% | 48 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:20 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 0 | 26 of 63 | 41% | 32 of 74 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 | 0 | 1:21 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 0 | 37 of 65 | 56% | 52 of 82 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:50 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 77 of 156 | 49% | 41 of 112 | 27 of 31 | 9 of 13 | 59 of 135 | 18 of 21 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 95 of 176 | 53% | 41 of 104 | 29 of 37 | 25 of 35 | 79 of 158 | 16 of 18 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 23 of 42 | 54% | 11 of 25 | 8 of 10 | 4 of 7 | 23 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 29 of 56 | 51% | 9 of 28 | 8 of 9 | 12 of 19 | 29 of 56 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 28 of 51 | 54% | 19 of 42 | 8 of 8 | 1 of 1 | 18 of 39 | 10 of 12 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 29 of 55 | 52% | 13 of 33 | 10 of 13 | 6 of 9 | 20 of 44 | 9 of 11 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Cub Swanson | 26 of 63 | 41% | 11 of 45 | 11 of 13 | 4 of 5 | 18 of 54 | 8 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Hakeem Dawodu | 37 of 65 | 56% | 19 of 43 | 11 of 15 | 7 of 7 | 30 of 58 | 7 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Dawodu based on age and speed, noting Swanson looked old in his last fight. He acknowledges Swanson could win via takedowns and decision, but leans Dawodu.
Big Brady picks Hakeem Dawodu to knock out Cub Swanson in the second round. He notes Swanson's age (39) and recent durability issues, especially in the Jonathan Martinez fight where he was hurt to the head, body, and legs. He believes Dawodu's mixing of strikes will wear down Swanson and lead to a finish. He expects this to be Swanson's retirement fight.
Cody is torn on this fight. He notes Cub Swanson is nearing 40 and coming off a brutal loss to Jonathan Martinez, but also has a history of pulling off upsets. He criticizes Hakeem Dawodu's low output and lack of finishing ability, but acknowledges Cub's age and damage. He ultimately decides to pass on betting, saying he has other underdogs he prefers.
James picks Dawodu, believing Swanson is past his prime. He thinks Dawodu is the better striker now with better durability, though he notes Dawodu's chin is questionable. James sees little path for Swanson to win, as he doesn't think Swanson can grapple or out-strike Dawodu. He mentions Swanson could land a knockout due to his unorthodox style, but overall favors Dawodu clearly.
Dawodu is a technical striker who uses combination striking and kicks. Swanson is 40 and on a 3-6 run over his last nine, with wins over sketchy competition. Dawodu should land the more impactful strikes and get the nod from judges. However, Swanson's unorthodox style could make it closer than the odds suggest.
Paul picks Cub Swanson but with low confidence. He thinks the line is accurate and would prefer Dawodu at a better price. He sees Cub having a puncher's chance and notes that if Dawodu fights at his usual low volume, Cub could outwork him and eke out a decision. However, he admits he's not confident and has other underdogs he'd rather bet.
The MMA Guru picks Hakeem Dawodu over Cub Swanson, citing Swanson's accumulated damage and small size for featherweight. He notes Dawodu's strength and clinch work, predicting he will hurt Swanson to the body with knees and get a finish in the third round. He references Swanson's past body-shot losses to Tatsuya Kawajiri and Max Holloway.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 51 of 79 | 64% | 60 of 88 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 62 of 102 | 60% | 66 of 106 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 3:30 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 31 of 50 | 62% | 38 of 57 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:20 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 33 of 59 | 55% | 35 of 61 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 1:16 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 0 | 20 of 29 | 68% | 22 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 29 of 43 | 67% | 31 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 2:14 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Martinez | 51 of 79 | 64% | 10 of 35 | 9 of 10 | 32 of 34 | 48 of 73 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 62 of 102 | 60% | 40 of 77 | 15 of 18 | 7 of 7 | 37 of 64 | 12 of 14 | 13 of 24 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Jonathan Martinez | 31 of 50 | 62% | 5 of 23 | 5 of 6 | 21 of 21 | 29 of 47 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 |
| Cub Swanson | 33 of 59 | 55% | 21 of 45 | 10 of 12 | 2 of 2 | 21 of 39 | 5 of 6 | 7 of 14 | |
| 2 | Jonathan Martinez | 20 of 29 | 68% | 5 of 12 | 4 of 4 | 11 of 13 | 19 of 26 | 1 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Cub Swanson | 29 of 43 | 67% | 19 of 32 | 5 of 6 | 5 of 5 | 16 of 25 | 7 of 8 | 6 of 10 |
Angelo leans Cub Swanson, citing his experience, fight IQ, and still-solid chin. He notes that Jonathan Martinez has holes in his game, particularly handling pressure, and that Cub can exploit that in a technical kickboxing match. However, he is not highly confident and calls it a tough pick, acknowledging Martinez's power and recent wins.
Big Brady picks Cub Swanson for the upset by first-round knockout. He notes that Swanson has looked phenomenal lately, has power and volume, while Martinez has a questionable chin (knocked down multiple times). He thinks Swanson's pressure and hard shots will be too much, but says he'll check the weigh-ins to see if Swanson looks drained from the weight cut. He calls it a super close fight.
Cody leans Martinez for the pick but is more confident in the under 2.5 rounds at +130. He notes Cub Swanson still fights with hands down and chin up, and while he has power, Martinez is faster and more technical. He expects violence in a small cage and thinks the fight ends early.
Connor picks Martinez, citing the age and weight cut concerns for Swanson. He notes that Martinez's range kicking game could cause problems for Swanson, and that Swanson's tendency to struggle against range strikers is a factor. He admits it's a coin flip but goes with the younger, established bantamweight.
Swanson is a live underdog at +165 due to his unorthodox striking and power, which could expose Martinez's chin. Martinez is a good striker with kicks and combinations, but he has shown he can be hurt. Swanson's experience and ability to crack opponents make this competitive. However, the weight cut to 135 pounds is a concern; the host wants to see how Swanson looks at weigh-ins before committing. Prediction is Swanson by knockout.
Paul is tempted by Cub Swanson as a live underdog, especially since the fight is at bantamweight, a new weight class for Swanson. He questions Martinez's chin and weight cut issues, noting Martinez has been dropped before and struggled at 135. He thinks Swanson's power and pace could break Martinez if it becomes a scrap.
The MMA Guru picks Jonathan Martinez over his favorite fighter Cub Swanson, citing momentum and Martinez's age (28) as key factors. He notes that Swanson is moving down to bantamweight, which often leads to poor performances initially. He praises Martinez's leg kicks and slick striking, and predicts a body finish due to Swanson's weaker torso at the new weight.
Zane picks Swanson, reasoning that if he would pick Swanson at featherweight, he has to still pick him at bantamweight despite the weight cut concerns. He believes Swanson's aggression and ability to punish Martinez's poor defense on the back foot will be key. He acknowledges the risk but trusts Swanson's veteran savvy.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 1 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Darren Elkins | 0 | 2 of 19 | 10% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 18 of 30 | 60% | 18 of 30 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:09 |
| Darren Elkins | 0 | 2 of 19 | 10% | 5 of 22 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 18 of 30 | 60% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Darren Elkins | 2 of 19 | 10% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 18 of 30 | 60% | 16 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 26 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 4 |
| Darren Elkins | 2 of 19 | 10% | 2 of 18 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 19 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Darren Elkins, citing the constant threat of takedowns and grinding pressure. He believes Elkins can make the fight ugly and frustrate Swanson, who is the better all-around fighter but needs to keep it standing. Angelo notes that Elkins has power in his hands but his clear path is grappling. He placed a moneyline bet on Elkins because the odds were too good at +170, thinking it should be closer to a pick'em.
Big Brady picks Cub Swanson by decision, citing his striking advantage (higher volume, accuracy, defense) and improved takedown defense in recent fights. He notes Elkins' low striking accuracy and believes Swanson can keep the fight standing. He acknowledges Elkins' grappling but thinks Swanson's takedown defense has improved enough to avoid trouble.
Cody picks Swanson but doesn't like the -200 price. He thinks Swanson's superior footwork and striking technique will allow him to box up Elkins on the feet. He notes that Elkins needs takedowns to win, and Swanson's takedown defense (60% career) might be enough. Cody suggests taking Swanson by decision at +150 instead of the moneyline, as he believes Swanson is unlikely to finish Elkins.
Daniel Levi picks Cub Swanson but admits he is sketched out by Elkins's comeback ability. He believes Swanson will dominate the striking early, using his speed, kicks, and explosiveness. However, Levi worries that if Elkins gets top position or takes Swanson's back, he could submit him. He references Jeremy Stephens's blueprint of keeping the fight standing and busting Elkins up, which Swanson can follow. Levi expects Swanson to win a decision, possibly 30-27, but acknowledges the risk of Elkins pulling off a submission.
Jacob picks Cub Swanson, his favorite fighter, and is very confident. He argues that Swanson is the better all-around fighter and equally tough. Jacob believes Swanson will dominate the fight, noting that Swanson looked great in his last win and that Elkins' wins come from out-toughing opponents, but nobody out-toughs Swanson. He thinks the odds are fair and that Swanson will win.
The host picks Swanson by KO, citing the striking disparity and Elkins' declining reactions. He believes Swanson will tee off on Elkins and finish him. He likes the KO prop at +250 and also parlayed Swanson moneyline with Barcelos.
Paul is leaning towards Elkins as a dog, citing Elkins's incredible durability and never-quit attitude. He thinks Swanson may start fast but could fade, and Elkins's pressure and wrestling could take over. Paul plans to bet Elkins live if Swanson slows down, expecting a better number than +170. He calls it a 'dogger pass' situation pre-fight.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson to win by 29-28 decision. He notes Swanson has improved his grappling defense significantly, as shown in the second Edgar fight where he wasn't taken down. He thinks Swanson's stand-up advantage will be key and he won't gas out like other Elkins opponents. He expects a scrappy war but Swanson's veteran savvy will carry him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 1 | 12 of 18 | 66% | 12 of 18 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 |
| Cub Swanson | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Giga Chikadze | 12 of 18 | 66% | 9 of 14 | 2 of 3 | 1 of 1 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 7 |
| Cub Swanson | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
Our co-main event comes in the form of a striker’s delight at featherweight between the old guard of Swanson (27-11, 12-7 UFC) against the relatively young gun in Chikadze (12-2, 5-0 UFC). Whether this is a passing of the torch or a reminder that there is still something left in the tank, referee Jason Herzog will oversee the affair. There is no touch of gloves, as Chikadze begins his fight with a few kicks. Swanson looks to close the distance early, and he walks through a few kicks to reach out with a big overhand right. The Georgia circles away on the outside, and he gets off a right hand that makes Swanson take a few steps back.
The kickboxer slings a high kick and sneaks out a left hand, and he releases a thunderous body kick he titles his “Giga Kick” that slams square into Swanson’s liver. The longtime vet’s typically stoic expression contorts in pain as he backs away and falls to his knees. Swanson looks to reach out for any sort of desperation shot or leg grab, but Chikadze slips his leg out and starts pounding away.
It does not take more than a few punches for Herzog to call the fight off, and Georgian fighters have now stolen the night by winning across the board. This is our first official finish of the night – the Markos fight was a disqualification that ended by a foul – and the first time Swanson has been knocked out since Jose Aldo’s fateful double flying knee in 2009.
The Official Result
Giga Chikadze def. Cub Swanson R1 1:03 via TKO (Body Kick and Punches)
Big Brady picks Giga Chikadze to win a close decision, but he is hesitant and hates the line. He acknowledges Chikadze's improvements, especially in takedown defense and striking output, as seen in the Morales fight. However, he notes that Swanson is durable and on a roll, and that Chikadze has been taken down in the past. Brady thinks the line should be closer and that Swanson could be live if he wrestles more, but he ultimately goes with Chikadze's flashier strikes.
Cody sees Cub Swanson as a live underdog with many variables in his favor: savvy veteran experience, ground game advantage, and a history of performing well as an underdog. He notes that Swanson has a BJJ black belt and wrestling advantage, and that Giga has not faced a grappler who actually uses their ground game. However, he is concerned that Giga is tall for the division and a tricky striker, and that Swanson needs to use his wrestling to win. He labels this a 'dogger pass' situation and mentions DraftKings still has +160 available.
Daniel Levi picks Giga Chikadze to win, emphasizing that Chikadze is a superior striker with better range and footwork. He believes Cub Swanson's style of swinging big hooks plays into Chikadze's straight shots down the middle. Levi also notes that Swanson's recent win over Pineda is overrated and that Chikadze's cardio held up in his last fight.
The host picks Giga Chikadze by decision, citing his striking advantage and reach. He expects Giga to fight safe and outpoint Swanson, who may look for takedowns. He notes that Swanson is a veteran but believes Giga's kicking game will be too much.
Paul does not have a strong lean on this fight. He notes that Giga has been given favorable matchups and that Swanson has the ground game advantage, but he is not confident enough to make a pick. He mentions that the action is coming in on Swanson and that he can understand why, but he doesn't commit to a side.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze over Cub Swanson, citing Chikadze's size advantage, reach, and improving MMA skills. He notes that Swanson is a natural bantamweight and took damage in his last fight against Daniel Pineda. He predicts Chikadze will chop at Swanson's legs and jab his way to a 30-27 unanimous decision.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 2 | 46 of 66 | 69% | 51 of 71 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:34 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 21 of 45 | 46% | 40 of 65 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 0 | 0:35 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 31 of 47 | 65% | 34 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 35 of 50 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 0:08 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 1 | 15 of 19 | 78% | 17 of 21 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Daniel Pineda | 0 | 5 of 15 | 33% | 5 of 15 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:27 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cub Swanson | 46 of 66 | 69% | 35 of 51 | 7 of 11 | 4 of 4 | 37 of 54 | 3 of 3 | 6 of 9 |
| Daniel Pineda | 21 of 45 | 46% | 9 of 28 | 3 of 4 | 9 of 13 | 19 of 43 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cub Swanson | 31 of 47 | 65% | 23 of 36 | 4 of 7 | 4 of 4 | 23 of 36 | 3 of 3 | 5 of 8 |
| Daniel Pineda | 16 of 30 | 53% | 6 of 17 | 2 of 3 | 8 of 10 | 14 of 28 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Cub Swanson | 15 of 19 | 78% | 12 of 15 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 14 of 18 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 |
| Daniel Pineda | 5 of 15 | 33% | 3 of 11 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 3 | 5 of 15 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Big Brady picks Daniel Pineda to win by first-round submission. He highlights Pineda's 100% finish rate (27 wins all finishes) and Swanson's history of being submitted six times. He likes Pineda's recent form and believes he is in his prime, while Swanson is past his prime and coming off injury. He recommends betting Pineda inside the distance at +140.
Daniel is impressed with Pineda's resurgence, noting his 29 finishes and recent dominant performances. He questions Cub Swanson's level of competition and thinks Swanson is on his way out. He predicts Pineda will catch Cub with a submission, possibly his 20th submission win.
Pineda's wrestling and top pressure will be a nightmare for Swanson, who has struggled with grapplers. Pineda should be able to take Swanson down repeatedly and finish him via ground and pound or submission. Swanson's recent losses have come via submission, and Pineda's style matches up well. The under 2.5 rounds is a good prop.
The MMA Guru picks Cub Swanson, despite the long layoff due to injury. He believes Swanson's experience against good jiu-jitsu guys and his stand-up will be the difference. He expects Swanson to keep the fight standing and win a unanimous decision. He dismisses Daniel Pineda's wins as unimpressive and notes Pineda's past PED issues.
Expert Picks (6)
Big Brady picks Giga Chikadze to win a close decision, but he is hesitant and hates the line. He acknowledges Chikadze's improvements, especially in takedown defense and striking output, as seen in the Morales fight. However, he notes that Swanson is durable and on a roll, and that Chikadze has been taken down in the past. Brady thinks the line should be closer and that Swanson could be live if he wrestles more, but he ultimately goes with Chikadze's flashier strikes.
Cody sees Cub Swanson as a live underdog with many variables in his favor: savvy veteran experience, ground game advantage, and a history of performing well as an underdog. He notes that Swanson has a BJJ black belt and wrestling advantage, and that Giga has not faced a grappler who actually uses their ground game. However, he is concerned that Giga is tall for the division and a tricky striker, and that Swanson needs to use his wrestling to win. He labels this a 'dogger pass' situation and mentions DraftKings still has +160 available.
Daniel Levi picks Giga Chikadze to win, emphasizing that Chikadze is a superior striker with better range and footwork. He believes Cub Swanson's style of swinging big hooks plays into Chikadze's straight shots down the middle. Levi also notes that Swanson's recent win over Pineda is overrated and that Chikadze's cardio held up in his last fight.
The host picks Giga Chikadze by decision, citing his striking advantage and reach. He expects Giga to fight safe and outpoint Swanson, who may look for takedowns. He notes that Swanson is a veteran but believes Giga's kicking game will be too much.
Paul does not have a strong lean on this fight. He notes that Giga has been given favorable matchups and that Swanson has the ground game advantage, but he is not confident enough to make a pick. He mentions that the action is coming in on Swanson and that he can understand why, but he doesn't commit to a side.
The MMA Guru picks Giga Chikadze over Cub Swanson, citing Chikadze's size advantage, reach, and improving MMA skills. He notes that Swanson is a natural bantamweight and took damage in his last fight against Daniel Pineda. He predicts Chikadze will chop at Swanson's legs and jab his way to a 30-27 unanimous decision.
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