Career Averages - Arnold Allen
Career Averages - Giga Chikadze
Arnold Allen
Giga Chikadze
Arnold Allen - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 1 | 98 of 152 | 64% | 156 of 222 | 7 of 7 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 9:28 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 100 of 254 | 39% | 118 of 280 | 0 of 4 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 1 | 9 of 9 | 100% | 18 of 20 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:44 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 10 of 14 | 71% | 19 of 25 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:45 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 23 of 38 | 60% | 28 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:36 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 26 of 78 | 33% | 28 of 81 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 32 of 52 | 61% | 44 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:22 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 30 of 71 | 42% | 30 of 72 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 23 of 36 | 63% | 26 of 41 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 1:43 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 23 of 63 | 36% | 24 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 11 of 17 | 64% | 40 of 51 | 4 of 4 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 4:03 |
| Melquizael Costa | 0 | 11 of 28 | 39% | 17 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 98 of 152 | 64% | 81 of 134 | 6 of 7 | 11 of 11 | 79 of 131 | 0 of 2 | 19 of 19 |
| Melquizael Costa | 100 of 254 | 39% | 47 of 173 | 20 of 42 | 33 of 39 | 97 of 249 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 4 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 9 of 9 | 100% | 8 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 5 of 5 |
| Melquizael Costa | 10 of 14 | 71% | 5 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 7 of 11 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 23 of 38 | 60% | 16 of 31 | 2 of 2 | 5 of 5 | 23 of 38 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Melquizael Costa | 26 of 78 | 33% | 8 of 49 | 5 of 14 | 13 of 15 | 26 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 32 of 52 | 61% | 27 of 47 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 25 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 7 |
| Melquizael Costa | 30 of 71 | 42% | 14 of 49 | 7 of 13 | 9 of 9 | 30 of 71 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Arnold Allen | 23 of 36 | 63% | 20 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 | 23 of 35 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Melquizael Costa | 23 of 63 | 36% | 10 of 41 | 4 of 11 | 9 of 11 | 23 of 63 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Arnold Allen | 11 of 17 | 64% | 10 of 15 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 1 | 7 of 7 |
| Melquizael Costa | 11 of 28 | 39% | 10 of 26 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 11 of 26 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 |
Angelo picks Arnold Allen, believing he is cleaner, faster, and more experienced. He is not worried about Costa's grappling and thinks Allen will control the striking. He notes Costa has random power but sees no reason Allen is chinny. He expects Allen to be a step ahead.
Big Brady picks Arnold Allen despite not being a fan, citing the five-round distance as key. He expects Costa to fade in later rounds, as seen in his previous fights. He predicts a decision win for Allen, noting that if it were three rounds, he might pick Costa.
Cody leans toward Arnold Allen due to his experience in five-round fights and higher level of competition, despite a 1-3 record in his last four. He notes Allen's ability to win rounds against elite fighters like Max Holloway and Movsar Evloev, and expects his cardio to be an advantage as the fight progresses. However, he is hesitant to bet the current -155 line and prefers to play Allen in the live market if he loses early rounds. He acknowledges Melquizael Costa's recent knockout power and higher volume, but worries about Costa's cardio in a five-round fight.
Connor picks Arnold Allen, citing his tactical superiority and durability. He notes that Allen is a high-level tactician who can pressure and control the fight, unlike Costa who lacks direction and focus. Connor acknowledges Costa's speed and creativity but believes Allen's experience and ability to weather storms will prevail, especially in a five-round fight. He compares Costa to a less focused version of John Silva, whom Allen already fought competitively.
Costa is more technical and dynamic on the feet, but may fade in later rounds. Allen is tough, durable, and has good cardio. If Costa's gas tank holds, he wins; if not, Allen takes over. Lean Allen but not betting.
Lucrative James picks Arnold Allen to win, citing Allen's superior five-round experience, size, and ability to close distance against kickers like Costa. He believes Costa's recent knockout streak is not repeatable and that Allen's losses to elite fighters (Max Holloway, Movsar Evloev, Jean Silva) were competitive. He also notes Allen's grappling advantage and the small cage benefiting Allen's pressure style.
The host leans with the veteran Allen due to his experience and ability to potentially exploit Costa's aggressive style, especially in a five-round fight. However, he is not confident enough to bet Allen at -180, as he has never been high on Allen. He predicts Allen wins by decision and might consider the over.
The host picks Arnold Allen but is hesitant due to the chalky odds. He expects Allen to land more significant damage, but acknowledges Costa's volume and aggression could cause issues. He believes Allen's veteran savvy and five-round experience will lead to a decision win.
Paul is not passionate about the main event but leans toward Melquizael Costa if forced to make a play. He notes that Costa has been on a good run and that Arnold Allen has never been knocked down in the UFC, but Costa seems to be putting it together. He is not confident enough to bet pre-fight and will focus on live markets instead.
The host leans towards Max Holloway because the fight is five rounds, which favors Holloway's cardio and experience. He notes that Arnold Allen tends to break his hand and slow down in later rounds, as seen in the Sadiq Yusuf fight. He believes Allen will win the first two rounds but fade, allowing Holloway to potentially finish in rounds 4 or 5. He also mentions Holloway's durability and volume punching.
Zane picks Arnold Allen, emphasizing his durability and never being finished. He notes that Allen has a sense of directionality and can pressure opponents, unlike Costa who is more chaotic. Zane believes Allen's ability to stay composed and not crumble under pressure will be key. He also mentions that Costa's gas tank tends to fade in later rounds, favoring Allen in a five-round fight.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 56 of 116 | 48% | 60 of 121 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:54 |
| Jean Silva | 0 | 74 of 136 | 54% | 78 of 141 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 0 | 0 | 0:32 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 22 of 45 | 48% | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Jean Silva | 0 | 16 of 31 | 51% | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 18 of 43 | 41% | 18 of 44 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:12 |
| Jean Silva | 0 | 32 of 60 | 53% | 35 of 64 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:02 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 16 of 28 | 57% | 20 of 32 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
| Jean Silva | 0 | 26 of 45 | 57% | 27 of 46 | 3 of 5 | 60% | 0 | 0 | 0:30 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 56 of 116 | 48% | 37 of 86 | 11 of 22 | 8 of 8 | 53 of 113 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Silva | 74 of 136 | 54% | 43 of 103 | 22 of 23 | 9 of 10 | 68 of 127 | 6 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 22 of 45 | 48% | 12 of 33 | 4 of 6 | 6 of 6 | 22 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Silva | 16 of 31 | 51% | 9 of 23 | 7 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 31 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 18 of 43 | 41% | 15 of 36 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 17 of 42 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Silva | 32 of 60 | 53% | 19 of 46 | 6 of 6 | 7 of 8 | 27 of 53 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 16 of 28 | 57% | 10 of 17 | 4 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 14 of 26 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Jean Silva | 26 of 45 | 57% | 15 of 34 | 9 of 9 | 2 of 2 | 25 of 43 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Silva (-278), Allen (+225)
Round 1
Due to the cancelation of the second title tilt scheduled for this billing—Kayla Harrison against Amanda Nunes—featherweights will now open up the main card that is still a pay-per-view in some locales. This dramatic clash of styles between a calm sniper in Allen (20-3, 11-2 UFC) and an emotional marauder Silva (16-3, 5-1 UFC) has had people circle their calendars for this potentially spectacular showcase. Before they begin, referee Chris Tognoni takes charge of the cage, and the competitors elect to touch ‘em up.
Allen introduces himself with a chopping kick to the lead leg, with Silva heavy on his front foot. Allen chips away at the body while Silva stares him down. Silva spurs into action with a body shot, only for Allen to nail his front leg on the way out. Silva hand-fights to work his way in, using his lead hand to try to pull down Allen’s guard to set something up. Allen is not having it, as he stays on the outside with pitter-patter strikes that are scoring. Silva misses on a right to the sternum, and Allen is paying close attention to how Silva cocks back his right hand. The Brazilian fakes a kick and draws out a reaction, and he sends Allen staggering back with a jab. Allen fires back with his own jab, sticking and moving to plant a left hand on the nose. Allen counterstrikes his man with a right hand when Silva advances, and he misses the mark by a hair when kicking high. Silva tries to kick him high as well, but he too whiffs.
Allen quickly wraps a kick up around the guard to draw some swelling on the temple, and he flashes several jabs as Silva loads up. Allen gets a one-two through the guard, and the audience starts barking to urge Silva to fight. Allen pushes off with his fingers outstretched and pokes Silva in the eye, and he apologizes profusely as Tognoni briefly calls time. Silva is not concerned and wants to get right back to it, where he starts chasing Allen around the cage. Allen works his front leg to set up good work upstairs, and he is freezing Silva when he commits. Silva keeps loading up, and Allen beats him to the punch and puts his guard up to block the head kick he sees coming. Silva puts on even heavier pressure, going with a right to the head and left to the body. Silva winds up his power strikes but largely brush them off the guard, and Silva suddenly nails his man with a high kick and an elbow. Allen backpedals fast, stung by the blow, and Silva lets him have it with a barrage of offense until the horn sounds. Allen winks at him, and when they do not separate, he shoves the Brazilian away.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 2
Kicks fly from both sides to start off the round, and Allen bides his time before splitting the guard cleanly with a one-two. Silva wags his finger at him, allowing Allen to fire off a pair of head kicks at him. Silva kicks the lead calf, and he rushes forward with a right hand and bowls Allen over. Allen stands, and he keeps his guard up to block a kick but gets popped with a right hand. Allen gathers himself and leaps at his foe with a jump knee, and lands to connect several powerful punches that make Silva wag his finger at him again. Silva goes to the body and tries for a right hand upstairs, but Allen skips past it and scores his own left. Silva waves him on, the jab of the Brit starting to do damage as Silva’s right cheek swells. Allen targets it with two punches, a head kick and a flying knee in rapid succession, and Silva tanks it all and slugs back with a dangerous one-two.
Silva tries to tie his man up, and this time, Allen drills him in the nose with a knee. Silva spins with an elbow that bangs into the top of the head, and he spins with another after delaying himself to open up. The Tristar Gym fighter keeps light on his feet and fights behind his jab, not falling into a brawl. Silva hammers both legs with kicks, and he connects with two hooks as Allen’s nose is busted up. Allen just misses with an axe kick and a spin kick, and Silva lets out a woo and tries to high-five him. Allen does not want to play that game, so Silva punches and kicks him in the face. Allen intercepts his opponent with a right hand, and Silva staggers him momentarily with a spinning back elbow. Allen jabs and kicks high with the opposite leg, and Silva smiles and dodges a subsequent kick. Silva tries for a takedown with seconds to spare, and instead tosses out a knee and gets thrown down before the bell rings.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Silva
Round 3
The featherweights bump fists to get going, and Silva immediately lashes out with punches and a high kick. Allen takes it well but his nose is already leaking again, and Silva strikes out at it some more. A high kick from the Brazilian is barely blocked, and he stands in place too long and takes a left hand on the schnoz. Shins are clashed when Silva fires off his kick, and he goes to the body with a right hand and sweeps the leg unsuccessfully that opens up a left up top. Allen’s head kick is telegraphed, allowing Silva to get in on him and lands hammers. Allen waves him on, and then pitches a front kick to the face only to duck under in pursuit of a level change. Silva is warned for grabbing the gloves to defend the takedown, and Allen knees him in the side while holding on from behind, with Silva leaning his head on the wall. Allen spams with knees until Silva senses an opening and turns out, breaking free after landing a right.
Allen flicks out his jab, and he is answered by a hacking elbow from the Brazilian. Allen comes up short with a kick and shuts down a single, but Silva is able to latch onto him and nearly take him for a ride. Allen protests that Silva is grabbing something, and Silva keeps on going and trips the Brit to a knee. Silva elevates his foe and slams him down, so Allen springs back up and nails Silva with a front kick. Silva punches his way into a clinch, but it is a fake as he intends on slipping up a head kick that Allen sees coming in time. Allen lets a spinning elbow buzz past him, and he walks into a standing elbow. Silva points to the ground to signal it’s time to brawl, and Allen does not ball for it and instead jabs. Silva keeps looking for the slugfest, and he roars and lets go with bombs. Silva jumps but does not throw anything, landing instead to pitch two high kicks. Silva hurls Allen to the mat with emphasis, and while Allen is on his knees, Silva steps on his back and jumps off of it like a child wrestling with his father—this has been considered unsportsmanlike conduct in the past, ask Drew Chatman. Silva then offers a glove touch or something to signal that he pulled off something quite unusual, and Allen pushes his hand away and wants to strike to the bitter end. The two go the distance, and any tension dissolves when time expires as a tearful Silva actually apologizes to the man in Allen he calls a "legend."
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Silva (29-28 Silva)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Silva (30-27 Silva)
The Official Result
Jean Silva def. Arnold Allen via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Jean Silva but with low confidence, citing uncertainty about Arnold Allen's health after a long layoff and injuries. He thinks Silva's creativity and aggression will overwhelm Allen, but he worries about Silva coming off a knockout loss. He says he is staying away from betting on this fight.
Big Brady is surprised by the wide odds but picks Silva due to his power, durability, and volume. He thinks Silva hits harder and is more active, and expects a war with Silva landing bigger shots. He predicts Silva by decision, though a knockout wouldn't shock him.
Cody leans toward Arnold Allen, citing Jean Silva's recklessness and poor fight IQ. He notes Silva often gets outworked early and makes mistakes, while Allen is defensively sound and can outpoint him. Cody is wary of Silva's power but believes Allen can win a decision or catch Silva with a counter.
Connor also picks Jean Silva, emphasizing that Silva is the most difficult fighter to game plan for due to his unpredictable, instinctive style. He notes that Arnold Allen's patient, professional approach may not account for Silva's ability to change intensity and land unexpected strikes. Connor points out that Silva has never faced a top-level professional like Allen, but believes Silva's unique talents will cause Allen to get surprised. He also mentions the layoff as a concern for Allen.
Daniel Vreeland picks Jean Silva but with low confidence due to Silva's discipline issues. He notes that Silva has power and shot selection, but his tendency to get cocky and taunt could cost him against a technical fighter like Allen. Vreeland says it's a pass for betting but as a pure pick, he goes with Silva, contingent on him staying disciplined.
James picks Silva, calling him a standout striker with crazy power, reminiscent of Conor McGregor. He believes Allen lacks a standout skill and will be outclassed on the feet. James predicts a KO or decision win for Silva, leaning KO, and notes Silva's hunger for redemption.
The host picks Jean Silva by knockout, citing his activity, power, and ability to walk down opponents. He notes Arnold Allen's low output and inactivity, which could be a problem against Silva's pressure. He also mentions the under 2.5 rounds as a strong prop, given both fighters' power and finishing ability. He is not willing to bet Silva at -255 but likes the under.
Paul picks Jean Silva by KO, taking a small shot on the prop. He acknowledges Silva's flaws but believes his power and pressure can overwhelm Allen, who has never been knocked out. Paul notes Silva's durability and ability to land big shots, but is not confident enough to bet the money line.
The MMA Guru picks Jean Silva, citing Arnold Allen's brittle hands and susceptibility to being dropped. He notes Silva's nasty lead hook and believes Allen's tendency to leave fights to decision will be exploited. He predicts a late first or second round TKO.
Zane picks Jean Silva, citing his incredible timing, sense of distance, and ability to land fight-changing shots. He notes that Arnold Allen, while well-rounded and professional, lacks dynamic finishing ability and often lets opponents stay competitive. Zane argues that Silva's chaotic, vibey style will create opportunities that Allen cannot capitalize on, and that Allen's long layoff and mental health struggles are additional concerns. He acknowledges that Silva can be gameplanless but believes his intangibles will prevail.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movsar Evloev | 0 | 59 of 140 | 42% | 61 of 143 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 51 of 118 | 43% | 72 of 141 | 5 of 17 | 29% | 0 | 0 | 3:31 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Movsar Evloev | 0 | 12 of 40 | 30% | 13 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 13 of 28 | 46% | 22 of 38 | 2 of 9 | 22% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 | |
| 2 | Movsar Evloev | 0 | 18 of 42 | 42% | 18 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 21 of 47 | 44% | 25 of 52 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:59 | |
| 3 | Movsar Evloev | 0 | 29 of 58 | 50% | 30 of 60 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 17 of 43 | 39% | 25 of 51 | 1 of 6 | 16% | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Movsar Evloev | 59 of 140 | 42% | 41 of 115 | 17 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 46 of 124 | 9 of 12 | 4 of 4 |
| Arnold Allen | 51 of 118 | 43% | 35 of 101 | 12 of 13 | 4 of 4 | 45 of 110 | 5 of 7 | 1 of 1 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Movsar Evloev | 12 of 40 | 30% | 9 of 36 | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 13 of 28 | 46% | 9 of 24 | 4 of 4 | 0 of 0 | 12 of 27 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Movsar Evloev | 18 of 42 | 42% | 13 of 35 | 5 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 13 of 36 | 5 of 6 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 21 of 47 | 44% | 15 of 40 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | 18 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | |
| 3 | Movsar Evloev | 29 of 58 | 50% | 19 of 44 | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 21 of 48 | 4 of 6 | 4 of 4 |
| Arnold Allen | 17 of 43 | 39% | 11 of 37 | 4 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 15 of 39 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Evloev (-180), Allen (+150)
Round 1
The five-fight main card of UFC 297 is not playing around, as we kick things off with Top 10 featherweights Allen and Evloev. This fight will have a direct impact on the 145-pound title picture, and as a couple of the best fighters under 30 in the division, it’s entirely possible that these two will meet again sometime in the next few years with a belt on the line. Allen, the Brit but longtime Tristar Gym exponent, gets the adoptive native pop from the crowd. Marc Goddard is the third man in the cage. They go right to work, Allen southpaw, Evloev orthodox. Evloev lands a right body kick to the open side. He goes upstairs with a kick next, but Allen evades it easily. Allen’s right jab and hand fighting are on point early, giving Evloev trouble getting his left hand working. Evloev comes forward and runs into a body punch from Allen. Allen gives chase and lands another left to the body. Evloev changes levels and grabs a single-leg, briefly getting Allen to the ground, but they pop back up with Evloev still holding the leg. Allen escapes a moment later and they return to the middle to the cage. With two minutes to go, Evloev tries another head kick, which glances off the raised arms of Allen. Allen’s jab is a constant presence, but Evloev ducks under one and gets a clean takedown. He can’t secure top position, however, as Allen hits a gorgeous Granby roll and spins to his feet. Evloev re-shoots, hauls him down again, and Allen uses another Granby roll. What a scramble. Evloev follows Allen, takes his back standing and lifts and dumps him on the canvas right before the horn.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Round 2
Allen’s righty jab is pumping right from the get-go, working to keep Evloev on the outside. Evloev paws out at the hand with his right, trying his own jab. Allen throws a murderous-looking high kick that bounces off the guard of Evloev. Allen throws another high kick, again off of the Russian’s arms, but the cumulative impact to the arms can’t be disregarded at this point. Evloev shoots a single-leg, switches to a double and plows Allen to the ground in the middle of the cage. Allen stands, with Evloev stuck to his back, and goes to the cage. Allen turns toward Evloev, briefly considers a front headlock, but gives it up and uses underhooks to shove Evloev away from his hips. They disengage and move back to the center of the cage, where Evloev meets him with a jumping knee. Allen comes back with another body punch. With under a minute to go, Allen lands another left to the body. Evloev catches him with a right to the chest, then clocks him with a crushing jab that rocks Allen badly. Allen stumbles away, bleeding from a cut under the left eye. Evloev gives chase, but stays measured—or doesn’t realize how badly he has his man hurt. The horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Evloev
Round 3
Between rounds, Allen’s corner more or less tells him he needs a finish, and he comes out aggressively. He backs Evloev up with a flurry of punches, then catches him with a clean, hard three-punch combination. Evloev throws a right cross and tries to shoot a takedown behind it, but Allen is wise to it and steps out of the way, nailing him with a left hand as he does. Evloev changes levels and Allen uses a front headlock to drive him across the cage, throwing knees to the head all along the way. Some of them look as though they might be illegal, as Evloev’s hand is on the canvas intermittently, while Allen tries to elevate him and knee him at the same time. Referee Goddard stops the action, has the cageside doctor examine a cut created by one or more of the knee strikes, and issues a “hard warning” to Allen without taking a point. They go back to work and, with half the round gone, Allen is on the front foot once again. Allen’s jab is there, but Evloev counters him with a kick up the middle. Allen lands another body punch. Evloev shoots right into a front headlock. Allen locks up a ninja choke, then gator rolls to top position. Evloev somehow spins through and ends up on top in north-south, having broken the grip. Another incredible ground sequence from these two standouts. They return to the feet and go careening into the fence, where Evloev is on Allen’s back. Allen throws a nice blind elbow behind him, but can’t land any Hail Marys, and the final horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Evloev)
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Evloev)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Allen (29-28 Evloev)
The Official Result
Movsar Evloev def. Arnold Allen via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Evloev, believing his wrestling will be the difference. He notes Allen's excellent takedown defense (not taken down since 2018) but thinks Evloev's chain wrestling and volume will eventually get takedowns. He compares the fight to Fares Ziam vs. Terrance McKinney, expecting a 30-27 decision. He is unsure about including Evloev in the safety parlay.
Big Brady picks Evloev, citing his undefeated record and high takedown volume. He notes Allen's takedown defense is good but not great, and that Allen has been taken down multiple times in the past by wrestlers. He believes Evloev will control the fight with wrestling and win a decision, unless Allen lands a knockout which he doesn't see happening.
Cody picks Evloev by decision, emphasizing his elite wrestling and ability to control the fight. He notes Allen's struggles against wrestlers like Mads Burnell and believes Evloev will replicate that game plan. He sees Evloev's decision prop as good value.
Daniel Vreeland picks Movsar Evloev to win a comfortable decision. He believes Evloev's relentless wrestling and pressure will neutralize Allen over three rounds, especially in the later rounds. He notes Evloev's takedown volume and ability to mix striking with takedowns. He bet two units on Evloev at -175.
Vreeland picks Evloev, citing his well-rounded game and solid striking. He believes Evloev is a slightly better all-around fighter than Allen, and that his grappling will be a key factor. Vreeland notes that Allen hasn't faced a grappler of Evloev's caliber recently, and that Evloev's takedowns could decide the fight. He suggests watching the first minute to see if Evloev can get takedowns, which would indicate his path to victory.
Fox picks Allen, arguing that his striking is sharper than Evloev's. He points to Evloev's close fight with Diego Lopes on short notice and Allen's competitive fight with Max Holloway as evidence. Fox believes the key question is whether Evloev can get takedowns; if not, Allen wins the striking exchanges. He suggests it may be a live bet opportunity after the first minute.
This fight is not discussed in the transcript. The host does not mention Evloev vs Allen.
I love Evloev in this spot. Even if he doesn't land takedowns, his volume and output advantage should be enough to win on the scorecards if it becomes a striking battle. Allen's takedown defense has been good recently, but the level of wrestlers he faced is not as high as Evloev. Evloev is well-rounded enough to mix up his game and combat Allen's low output. I think Evloev wins by decision and possibly puts himself in a number one contender fight.
Paul agrees with Cody, picking Evloev by decision. He thinks Evloev's wrestling will be the difference and the fight will be ugly. He notes the best price on Evloev by decision is -117.
The MMA Guru picks Arnold Allen as an underdog, despite acknowledging Evloev's grappling. He cites Evloev's recent ACL injury and poor striking defense, noting openings in his punches. He praises Allen's lateral movement, defensive wrestling, and ability to counter. He predicts a close decision win for Allen, 29-28.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Holloway | 0 | 147 of 262 | 56% | 149 of 264 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 76 of 225 | 33% | 80 of 229 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Holloway | 0 | 27 of 62 | 43% | 27 of 62 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 11 of 33 | 33% | 11 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Max Holloway | 0 | 25 of 49 | 51% | 25 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 19 of 42 | 45% | 19 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Max Holloway | 0 | 33 of 51 | 64% | 33 of 51 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 14 of 45 | 31% | 14 of 45 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 4 | Max Holloway | 0 | 29 of 52 | 55% | 29 of 52 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 12 of 39 | 30% | 12 of 39 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 5 | Max Holloway | 0 | 33 of 48 | 68% | 35 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:03 |
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 20 of 66 | 30% | 24 of 70 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Holloway | 147 of 262 | 56% | 77 of 180 | 42 of 48 | 28 of 34 | 146 of 261 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 76 of 225 | 33% | 48 of 173 | 18 of 36 | 10 of 16 | 76 of 225 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Holloway | 27 of 62 | 43% | 13 of 46 | 9 of 11 | 5 of 5 | 27 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 11 of 33 | 33% | 4 of 21 | 2 of 4 | 5 of 8 | 11 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Max Holloway | 25 of 49 | 51% | 11 of 30 | 8 of 9 | 6 of 10 | 25 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 19 of 42 | 45% | 10 of 26 | 6 of 12 | 3 of 4 | 19 of 42 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Max Holloway | 33 of 51 | 64% | 20 of 37 | 7 of 7 | 6 of 7 | 33 of 51 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 14 of 45 | 31% | 11 of 39 | 3 of 5 | 0 of 1 | 14 of 45 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 4 | Max Holloway | 29 of 52 | 55% | 12 of 33 | 10 of 12 | 7 of 7 | 29 of 52 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 12 of 39 | 30% | 6 of 31 | 5 of 6 | 1 of 2 | 12 of 39 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 5 | Max Holloway | 33 of 48 | 68% | 21 of 34 | 8 of 9 | 4 of 5 | 32 of 47 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Arnold Allen | 20 of 66 | 30% | 17 of 56 | 2 of 9 | 1 of 1 | 20 of 66 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Holloway (-175), Allen (+150)
Round 1
The featherweight championship trilogy for Holloway (23-7, 19-7 UFC) did not go his way, dropping three matches to king Alexander Volkanovski, and now “Blessed” will try to earn an unprecedented fourth crack at him. On the other hand, like excellent fighters at lightweight (Beneil Dariush) and welterweight (Belal Muhammad), Allen (19-1, 10-0 UFC) cannot seem to buy a title shot despite an outstanding win streak of 10 straight. Should “Almighty” get past the Hawaiian – Holloway has not lost a non-championship outing in nearly a decade – it should be more than enough to earn him the coveted opportunity to vie for a belt. One thing is certain: This fight should be electric. Referee Jason Herzog is on the call for the last fight of the night, and the two combatants are amped up but glad to touch gloves before the face punching begins. Allen is the aggressor to lead off, with a few leg kicks and jabs. Holloway hops around on the outside, dodging kicks and staying loose. Allen lets go with a body kick, but it is low and bounces off the cup. Herzog pauses the fight to let the Hawaiian get his wind back, but Holloway only needs 15 seconds before he is good to go. Holloway scores a chipping leg kick and two one-twos, and he blocks a head kick and gives one right back. Holloway digs a right to the head and left to the body, and he slides back out of harm’s way in time to avoid a counter. Allen connects cleanly with a left hand, and Holloway absorbs it without batting an eye. Holloway jabs to the body and eats a low kick, and he keeps his guard up from one up high. Holloway slips a jab to sneak one in, and he plants two fists on the Brit’s mug. When Allen misses on another high kick, Holloway tunes him up with three fast punches. They both land strikes on the outside, and Allen raises his arms up to reset. Holloway stomps at the knee with a kick, and he keeps scooting around the outer edge and away from the high kick. Holloway blocks a body kick, throws one back and ends the combination with a few punches. Holloway sneaks a left over the guard, and he leans back as a head kick whizzes past him. The two men clash leg kicks together, and Allen gives chase with a left hook that misses the mark. Holloway backs Allen up with a short combination, and Allen gathers his thoughts and flicks out a jab. Allen reaches his foe with a left over the top, and Holloway spins all the way through with a kick that glances off Allen’s midsection. Holloway times a body kick and a left hand, surprising Allen but not stunning him. Holloway slips a punch, moves, and reaches up with a head kick right before the bell.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Round 2
The fighters half-heartedly touch ‘em up to start off the second stanza, and he shifts to the side when Allen advances with a left hook. Allen aims a pair of kicks to the side, and he gets tripped up and a front kick clicks off the cup. Holloway shakes it off and they do not break, and Allen walks him down and slugs him in the face with a monster left hand. The Hawaiian tanks it and tries to trade back, and he gets clubbed again with a powerful left. Allen slows his barrage when Holloway sticks out a right hand, but he times a left over the jab to tag Holloway again. “Blessed” smacks the lead calf a few times, and it is turning red as Allen surges forward. Allen chambers and fires another left, but Holloway rolls with this one and is not overly concerned. Holloway splits the guard with a jab and marks up Allen’s nose, and he blocks head kick to return one. Holloway jabs the body as he reaches out, and he dodges a heavy strike and avoids a high kick that soars after it. Holloway strings three punches together while Allen is resetting, and he jabs to break up Allen’s looping punches. Holloway wings a right hand, and he follows it with three punches to the head and body. Holloway switches stances repeatedly to give Allen pause, and he hops in with a piercing jab. Allen whiffs on a left hand and connects with a front kick, and he takes a flush body kick that lands with an audible thud. Holloway gets caught with a left hook, and he flings a kick up high and throws one from the other leg that slips under the armpit. Holloway spins with a hook kick, and the horn blares.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 3
Allen starts off Round 3 pushing the pace, and he walks into a quick right hand from “Blessed.” Allen returns fire, and his nose is showing some wear. Holloway lines up three punches on the jaw, and Allen has to take a second to gather his thoughts. Allen loads up on a right hook and a big left, and Holloway sees them and defends from the brunt of the damage. Allen gives chase with power punches, and Holloway jabs at him to the head and midsection. Holloway takes a strike to cut the inside of his eyebrow on his left eye, and he dodges the vicious swings to stay safe. Allen blocks a head kick and tags Holloway with two long left hands, and Holloway reaches him with a straight right to the body before leaping back. Holloway slides a kick up high and is backed off with a check right hook, and he slips several punches and sinks in another body kick. Holloway sends Allen backing away with a short combo of punches to bloody the nose, and the Brit waves Herzog off from a possible uncalled foul. Holloway slams his shin on the calf to make Allen’s knee turn in, and he stands right in the pocket to trade. Allen throws a high kick, and Holloway guards it and secures an unblocked kick to the midsection. Allen takes one more heavy kick, and Holloway closes in and gets off a step-in elbow. Holloway flashes out a jab and two punches when Allen bears down on him. Holloway spins with a back fist, and the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Round 4
The fighters tap hands to start off the championship rounds, and he races forward to engage. Allen scores a few body shots before backing off, and Holloway lets him so that he can work on the welting calf of his opponent. Holloway jabs the nose, and he walks through a head kick to score a right hand down Broadway. Holloway slows Allen coming forward by pushing off Allen’s knee to potentially hyperextend it, and he darts back when Allen springs into attack mode. Holloway gets off one more kick to the body, and he spins with a kick that misses the mark. Holloway pops Allen with three punches in rapid succession, and he rips the body with a left. Allen gives him one back with a solid right hand, but it is one-and-done while Holloway keeps combinations flowing. Holloway keeps kicking at the knee, and he digs another straight hand to the breadbasket. Chants for “Holloway” rain down in the building as he delivers one more gutbusting kick, and Allen wears it well but is heavily marked up all over. Holloway jumps in, jabs the body, and jumps away. Allen catches a kick and tries to throw Holloway down, and when the Hawaiian will not go down, he tosses a head kick at him. Holloway blocks and circles away, and he guards a second head kick that soon follows. Holloway strides in with an elbow, and Allen catches him with a right. As soon as he does, Holloway is amped up and gives him one right back. Holloway slams a kick to the ribs, and he is answered with a powerful left hook. The former champ does not flinch, and he spins with a wheel kick and drops to a knee. Holloway climbs back up and works the body with a few punches, and he pecks at the knee a few times with his shin or the ball of his foot. Holloway goes up high with a kick, and Allen lunges with a left and gets drilled upside the head with a kick. Allen rushes out with a spin kick, and Holloway concludes the round with a high kick that wraps around the guard.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Holloway
Round 5
The fighters clap hands to begin the final round, and Allen is ready to throw hammers. He chases Holloway around, knocking him around with big hooks. Allen stings the former champ with a left hand, and Holloway wears it well and escapes. Holloway steps back from an elbow to reach him with a knee, and he spins with an elbow that smashes Allen right on the jaw. Allen takes his foot off the gas when absorbing this heavy blow, and Holloway kicks his side. Allen swings for the fences but cannot reach Holloway with this exchange, and Holloway stands in front of him and puts several punches on the chin. Holloway does work on the lead knee and calf, and he digs a kick to the body that makes Allen rush in and clinch up with him. Holloway pushes him off and gains space, and he kicks the body again and knees it for good measure. Allen lashes out with a right hand, and Holloway dips away from the subsequent blows. Allen kicks Holloway in the head twice, and “Blessed” absorbs them and takes a few more heavy punches as he escapes. Allen lumbers into a winging left hook, and he tosses forth a head kick that slides off the guard. Allen is met with a one-two when trying to go forward again, and Holloway intercepts him with a knee to the ribs. Holloway kicks the side once more, and he ducks a kick that skims his hair. Holloway rolls with looping, dangerous shots, and Allen is emptying the gas tank and takes a spinning back kick to the body. When Holloway lands another kick to the body, he falls over, and Allen lets him up to throw hands. Allen gets too close and ties up, and his mouthpiece flies out. Herzog replaces it while the two are clinched, and Allen tries for a body lock takedown. “Blessed” remains upright and pushes away with seconds to spare. In typical Holloway fashion, he lets the final seconds turn into a mighty brawl. Allen hurts Holloway with an elbow, and Holloway blasts him with a stream of punches that hurt Allen and put him down to a knee. Allen pops back up, looking to trade leather, but time expires. This is a terrific fight in the books, and it was a close one that lived up to the expectations. Even in defeat, Allen’s stock should not fall far, as Holloway is one of a kind and still has not lost a non-title fight in almost 10 years. Next week, the UFC goes back to the Apex with a show featuring a potential heavyweight title eliminator, and we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)
Ben Duffy scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen (48-47 Holloway)
The Official Result
Max Holloway def. Arnold Allen via Unanimous Decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47)
Angelo picks Max Holloway, citing his incredible volume, experience, and size advantage. He notes Holloway is only 31 and has only lost to Volkanovski and Poirier. He acknowledges Holloway has absorbed a lot of damage and his chin may give out eventually, but until then he's riding with him. He has no bet on the main event, preferring to watch without wagering.
Big Brady picks Max Holloway to win by knockout in the fourth or fifth round. He highlights Holloway's unmatched volume and durability, noting that his only recent losses are to Alexander Volkanovski. He believes Arnold Allen's only path to victory is a knockout, which is unlikely given Holloway's chin. He expects Holloway to break Allen late.
Cody acknowledges Holloway's mileage and potential regression, but trusts his proven five-round cardio, durability, and volume. He notes Arnold Allen's low output historically and questions whether Allen can maintain high output for five rounds. He sees Holloway as still the superior fighter, though he admits Allen is improving and could win in a few years.
Connor picks Holloway but expresses hesitation, noting that Allen's southpaw style and counter-punching could pose problems similar to Poirier's approach. He acknowledges Holloway's wear and tear from a long career and many wars, but ultimately trusts Holloway's proven track record against top competition. Connor feels Allen has not yet shown he can maintain the necessary pace and composure for five rounds against Holloway.
Holloway's output and durability will overwhelm Allen, who has benefited from favorable matchmaking and low activity. Holloway's only recent losses are to Volkanovski, and he still performed well against Kattar and Rodriguez. Allen's low output style will be exposed by Holloway's volume and pressure. Expect Holloway to finish late, possibly in rounds 4 or 5.
Paul echoes Cody's reasoning, emphasizing Holloway's incredible volume and durability. He notes that Holloway landed 445 significant strikes against Calvin Kattar, questioning if Arnold Allen can keep that pace. He acknowledges Holloway may be slowing down but still finds it hard to ignore his output.
The MMA Guru picks Max Holloway to win by decision, citing Holloway's volume striking, boxing, chin, and takedown defense. He acknowledges Arnold Allen's power and recent improvements but believes Holloway's experience in championship fights and ability to take three of five rounds will prevail. He notes the -190 line is a bit high and sees value on Allen at +155, but ultimately sides with Holloway.
Zane picks Holloway, acknowledging Allen's southpaw tactics and potential but emphasizing Holloway's proven durability and pace. He notes that Allen's best wins have asterisks (Hooker at wrong weight, Kattar injury) and that Holloway has only lost to elite competition like Volkanovski and Poirier. Zane believes Holloway's volume and pressure will be too much for Allen over five rounds.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 14 of 58 | 24% | 14 of 58 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Calvin Kattar | 0 | 28 of 67 | 41% | 28 of 67 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 14 of 57 | 24% | 14 of 57 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Calvin Kattar | 0 | 27 of 65 | 41% | 27 of 65 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:23 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Calvin Kattar | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 14 of 58 | 24% | 5 of 47 | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 58 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Calvin Kattar | 28 of 67 | 41% | 21 of 55 | 2 of 5 | 5 of 7 | 27 of 62 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 14 of 57 | 24% | 5 of 46 | 6 of 8 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 57 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Calvin Kattar | 27 of 65 | 41% | 21 of 54 | 2 of 5 | 4 of 6 | 26 of 60 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Calvin Kattar | 1 of 2 | 50% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
The two ranked fighters on this fight card – in terms of listings on Sherdog – come to blows in its main event, as impressive technical boxer Kattar (23-6, 7-4 UFC) throws down with the streaking Allen (18-1, 9-0 UFC), who has won all nine of his trips to the UFC cage. Whether he can go 10-0 and put himself on the shortlist for championship contention in the logjammed featherweight category, he will have to get through “The Boston Finisher” first. The stakes are high, and referee Herb Dean is bringing his A-game to the headliner. Gloves are gladly touched, and it’s on with the show. Both men hunt for their range as they face off in alternating stances, pushing out jabs that bump into the other. Allen scores first with a low kick, and he lands a second as Kattar skirts out of the way. Kattar splits the guard with a jab, and Allen ignores it to double down on the calf kick. The defenses are solid thus far, with low accuracy rates and very active blocks, and as a result, they do not sit down on anything of note. Allen scores a single straight left, and Kattar responds with a snapping jab. When Kattar looks to double up on his jab, Allen settles for two kicks including one to the side. Kattar rushes forward with a clean one-two, and Allen shakes it off and walks right into a low kick. Allen gives chase but hits nothing but air, and Kattar pokes with his toes on the midsection. Allen knocks his man a step back with a left hand, and when Kattar attempts to reply, he kicks the upper thigh. Allen has a left hand get around the guard, and he chains several punches together to shake Kattar up. As Kattar backs off, Allen picks it up briefly, but he lets go before Kattar can lean on heavy counters. Allen lands a one-two across the bow, and Kattar largely uses the jab to respond. Allen scores several left hands that get Kattar’s attention, and Kattar’s face has begun to turn red. Allen comfortably lands another left hand, and he stays moving and circles fast. Kattar leaps in the air with a kick and lands awkwardly, and his right knee blows out as he falls to the ground. Allen leaps on top to strike, and he moves to set up a brabo choke but cannot secure it before the round ends. It will be interesting to see if Kattar can make it out of his corner for the second frame given the obvious injury he suffered.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Noah Gagnon scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 2
Dean calls in the doctor before the round begins, and Kattar states that he is good to go. Kattar walks around gingerly but he has his balance and can continue. Allen marches forward, knowing what his clear path to victory is, and he lashes out.
“Almighty” unleashes one almighty leg kick to the lead leg of his opponent, and as Kattar attempts to check it, his right knee buckles and gives out beneath him. Kattar falls to the ground in agony and Allen does not go in for the kill as he knows the fight is over. Dean steps between them just to make sure,
and the medical staff races in immediately after the stoppage to tend to the downed Kattar. This is an extremely unfortunate ending to this featherweight headliner, and a difficult pill to swallow for the Brit, who notches his 10th UFC win in a row. Allen is crestfallen, not just because his opponent suffered an injury, but because he states that he does not want to win like that. In his post-fight interview, Allen is put on the spot by commentator Michael Bisping, in which he calls for an interim title shot should champ Alexander Volkanovski move up in weight and be away from the division for a time. He does not call for a specific opponent, although potential options could include Josh Emmett or Yair Rodriguez. If that should come together, we will be here for it. We hope you are too.
The Official Result
Arnold Allen def. Calvin Kattar R2 0:08 via TKO (Knee Injury)
Big Brady picks Calvin Kattar to win by decision. He argues that Kattar's volume and pressure will be too much for Allen, who has shown low output and cardio issues in three-round fights. He notes that Kattar has never been knocked down and has gone five rounds in his last four fights, while Allen has never seen a fourth round. He believes Allen will need to hurt Kattar to win, which is unlikely given Kattar's durability.
Cody argues that Arnold Allen is a low-output fighter who has been carried by close decisions and flashy finishes against declining competition. He points to Allen's low significant strike totals in many fights and notes that Calvin Kattar has landed over 100 significant strikes in his last four fights, has a cast-iron chin, and superior technical boxing and work rate. Cody expects Kattar's volume and five-round experience to wear Allen down over the distance, likely resulting in a close decision win.
Daniel Levi picks Arnold Allen, citing his versatility, southpaw stance with an outside calf kick, and ability to win early rounds. He notes Allen's experience against tough competition and his own money train on Allen. He respects Kattar's durability and iron will but questions the cumulative damage from recent fights. He got Allen at +110 and is confident in the pick, though he acknowledges Kattar could win if Allen fatigues.
Jacob picks Arnold Allen but is scared to death. He notes Allen's counter-striking and wrestling should be key, but Kattar is a better boxer and can mix in wrestling. Jacob worries about Allen facing adversity for the first time. He calls it a coin flip.
Kattar's volume and combination striking will be too much for Allen, who tends to be low-volume and waits for moments. Allen's explosive win over Hooker was against a compromised opponent. Kattar has five-round experience and should outwork Allen over 25 minutes. The plus money on Kattar is excellent value.
Paul agrees with Cody that volume is the deciding factor, noting that Kattar is obscenely durable and has five-round experience. He mentions a prop on Prize Picks for Arnold Allen over 0.5 takedowns, expecting Allen to mix in wrestling but not being a great wrestler. Paul says he'll probably end up with money on Calvin Kattar on Saturday, indicating a betting interest.
The MMA Guru picks Calvin Kattar over Arnold Allen, despite expecting Allen to look great early and possibly break Kattar's nose. He doubts Allen's finishing ability and notes Allen tends to slow down in later rounds, as seen against Sadiq Yusuff. He believes Kattar's experience fighting with a broken nose and his body work will pay off, predicting Kattar wins rounds 3-5 via decision or late TKO.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 0 | 49 of 84 | 58% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Dan Hooker | 0 | 14 of 49 | 28% | 14 of 49 | 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 | 49 of 84 | 58% | 50 of 85 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:02 |
| Dan Hooker | 0 | 14 of 49 | 28% | 14 of 49 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 49 of 84 | 58% | 43 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 | 46 of 75 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Dan Hooker | 14 of 49 | 28% | 11 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 49 | 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 | 49 of 84 | 58% | 43 of 78 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 6 | 46 of 75 | 3 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Dan Hooker | 14 of 49 | 28% | 11 of 44 | 0 of 2 | 3 of 3 | 14 of 49 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
A high-stakes featherweight matchup serves as UFC London’s co-main event, with Allen (17-1, 8-0 UFC) putting his eight-fight UFC win streak on the line against former lightweight contender Hooker (21-11, 11-7 UFC). What follows next is sure to be frenetic action from bell to bell, and referee Dan Movahedi is on top of this intriguing battle. They are happy to touch gloves first, though, before Hooker flashes out a jab and tries to follow with a right. Hooker walks Allen down with punches and a front kick, and the size difference is apparent early as Hooker uses his long reach. Hooker mixes in punches with low kicks, and he walks through an Allen right hand as if it weren’t there. Allen replies with a leg kick, and he lets his hands go with his opponent and rocks Hooker. Allen starts throwing bungalows, and he continues to batter Hooker and knock him from one side of the cage to the other. “The Hangman” chomps down on his gumshield and throws caution to the wind, hurting Allen right back, but Allen gathers himself and continues his onslaught of punches. Hooker’s durability may be a double-edged sword as he does not ever hit the ground, but he is taking serious damage from Allen’s barrage. Hooker manages to defend himself and escape, and the two have to take a serious breather. They go back to a safer, non-brawling range, and Hooker looks to calm down and find an avenue to attack.
Allen suddenly attacks again, having gotten his wind back, and he lets loose with a one-two that shakes Hooker up. “Almighty” Allen does not let him escape this time, going up high with a kick and then pounding on Hooker as Hooker falls back to the fence. Allen closes in, and he starts ripping elbows amidst the punches, and he is looking to finish the job here. Hooker is barely upright, likely still on his feet because the cage is at his back, and Movahedi is moving in close to get involved. Allen does not relent on his assault, smashing Hooker with punches and nasty elbows until Movahedi has seen enough.
What a furious frenzy for as long as it lasted, and Allen put on a show as he advanced to 9-0 in the UFC. Big fights loom for Britain’s own Allen.
The Official Result
Arnold Allen def. Dan Hooker R1 2:33 via TKO (Punches and Elbows)
Angelo picks Arnold Allen but expresses two concerns: Allen only fights once a year, and Dan Hooker is moving down to featherweight, which could make him big and strong or drained. He notes that Hooker's odds have flipped from underdog to favorite, but he still likes Allen's youth, speed, power, and grappling. He mentions Allen's ability to come back from adversity, like submitting Bernal after being taken down six times.
Big Brady picks Dan Hooker to win by decision, calling it an unpopular opinion. He notes Hooker is moving down to 145 and will have a massive size advantage with four inches in height and five and a half in reach. Brady believes Hooker's takedown defense is good enough to keep the fight standing, and he favors Hooker's output and power over Allen's low volume. He also mentions Allen's best win was against Sadiq Yusuf in a close fight where Allen was outlanded.
Cody picks Hooker, citing Allen's lack of activity and close fights against lower-level opponents. He notes Hooker's volume and pace, and thinks Allen's wrestling won't be enough. He mentions waiting for weigh-ins due to Hooker's weight cut concerns.
Daniel Levi picks Arnold Allen at plus money, having bet him at +105 before the line flipped. He believes Allen is a top prospect flying under the radar, with a well-rounded game and no clear holes. Levi points out that Dan Hooker absorbs too many clean shots, as seen in fights against Poirier, Felder, and Barboza, and that Allen's point-fighting style will exploit that. He also notes the hometown advantage at the O2 Arena, suggesting close decisions will favor Allen. Levi respects Hooker but sees Allen as the future.
Hooker's volume and footwork should outwork Allen, who lacks knockout power (last KO in 2014). Hooker has good takedown defense and can use the big cage to his advantage with a stick-and-move style. Allen's grappling isn't dominant enough to control Hooker. The weight cut to 145 is a concern, but Hooker had a good test cut. I already bet Hooker at -110 and expect a decision win.
Paul picks Hooker, arguing that Allen's winning streak is overrated due to flash knockdowns and low striking output. He believes Hooker's volume and pace will overwhelm Allen, and that Allen's wrestling won't be effective. He also notes Hooker's improved wrestling from the Makhachev fight.
The Guru picks Arnold Allen, surprised he's not a favorite. He believes Dan Hooker's move down to featherweight is risky, citing Hooker's poor head movement and the tough weight cut. He notes Allen's improving skills and power, despite no KOs on record, and predicts a first-round KO. He mentions Hooker's recent domination by Islam Makhachev and questions his motivation.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 1 | 21 of 61 | 34% | 26 of 68 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 0 | 0 | 5:09 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 47 of 113 | 41% | 79 of 164 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 1 | 0 | 2:33 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 1 | 10 of 28 | 35% | 11 of 30 | 2 of 2 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 2:37 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 13 of 30 | 43% | 19 of 38 | 0 of 0 | --- | 1 | 0 | 0:09 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 9 of 27 | 33% | 13 of 31 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 1:01 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 18 of 53 | 33% | 29 of 66 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:05 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 0 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 2 of 7 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:31 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 0 | 16 of 30 | 53% | 31 of 60 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 2:19 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arnold Allen | 21 of 61 | 34% | 15 of 53 | 6 of 7 | 0 of 1 | 16 of 52 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 3 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 47 of 113 | 41% | 24 of 85 | 12 of 17 | 11 of 11 | 29 of 86 | 18 of 27 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arnold Allen | 10 of 28 | 35% | 8 of 24 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 8 of 24 | 1 of 3 | 1 of 1 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 13 of 30 | 43% | 3 of 16 | 5 of 9 | 5 of 5 | 10 of 24 | 3 of 6 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Arnold Allen | 9 of 27 | 33% | 6 of 24 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 8 of 24 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 2 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 18 of 53 | 33% | 10 of 45 | 4 of 4 | 4 of 4 | 16 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Arnold Allen | 2 of 6 | 33% | 1 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Sodiq Yusuff | 16 of 30 | 53% | 11 of 24 | 3 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 3 of 13 | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogRound 1
In what many deemed the likely “Fight of the Night” candidate, the co-main event pits surging featherweights Yusuff (11-1, 4-0 UFC) and Allen (16-1, 7-0 UFC) against one another. Lengthy win streaks for both men are at stake, and even referee Jason Herzog realizes what may be at stake here. There is no touch of gloves, as both throw long strikes at one another instead. Yusuff steps in with a jab, and Allen circles around the outside to take a slapping leg kick. Allen is on his bike early, as Yusuff chases after him and scores a big right hand. When Yusuff aims a body kick, “Almighty” scoops him up and puts him down on his back. Yusuff scoots to the fence to walk up, but Allen keeps his leg trapped to ground the American. Yusuff keeps a guillotine grip tight to defend the position, and the choke is tight as he uses it to sweep Allen and put the Brit on his back. Allen escapes from the position and scampers back to his feet, and Yusuff follows him. The American puts on the pace by landing heavy shots, but Allen fires back with a few heavy punches. When Allen reaches out with a jab, Yusuff blasts him in the lead leg. Both featherweights trade front kicks, and Yusuff comes at him ready to take Allen’s head off. Allen counters with a left hand, and Yusuff bears down on him throwing heavy shots. Allen nails Yusuff with a laser-like left hand and send the American tumbling to the canvas, but Yusuff is able to gather himself and get back up as Allen kicks so hard he falls over. As Yusuff retreat to the cage instead of pursuing his opponent, Allen is able to get back up and rush forward to land a takedown. Yusuff wall-walks to his feet, and Allen grinds him against the fencing. Allen keeps heavy pressure and controls Yusuff against the wire, until Yusuff gains separation and backs off. Allen lands to the body and head, and the horn sounds.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 2
Allen leads the dance in the early going until Yusuff turns up the pace and charges forward with punches and kicks. Allen goes back to his circling around the outside as Yusuff marches him down to throw big shots. Allen is able to escape any meaningful strikes, and he blocks a thudding left hand but eats a right on the chin. Allen absorbs a jab and scores an uppercut, and Yusuff is back to stalking him down. The Brit just comes up short with a left hand, and Yusuff takes some power off his shots so that he can land more effectively. Both men connect with shots, and Allen starts to swing wildly and whiff repeatedly. Allen digs a left hand to the body, and Yusuff pays it no mind as he pops Allen with a leg kick. Allen tries to catch it, but he sets it down when Yusuff loops a right hand at him. Allen blasts Yusuff with a clean head kick, and Yusuff takes a moment before reacting, as he wobbles back on baby deer legs. “Almighty” tries to impose his might, but he cannot get the finish as Yusuff regains his bearings and fights off a potential takedown attempt. The pace wanes as Yusuff kicks Allen in the chest, and Allen retreats on the outskirts of the cage as Yusuff kicks him in the ear leg. Allen comes up short with a counter, and he ties up Yusuff to bully him into the chain links. Yusuff kicks off the cage but cannot break this grip or get any distance, and Allen grinds him for the good part of a minute until Yusuff finally gets free. Allen has a head kick blocked, and Yusuff races forward for a final barrage but does not throw anything before the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Allen
Round 3
Yusuff starts the round aggressively, only for Allen to turn him around and pursue a single leg takedown almost immediately. The American stuffs it and is pinned against the fence, with Allen trying to lift up his opponent’s leg. When Yusuff pushes off, he just misses with a head kick. Yusuff stuffs a takedown attempt in the center of the cage, and he circles around to lock on with a guillotine choke. Allen frees his neck and spins him around to attack a double, and Yusuff sprawls against the fence before turning around. Yusuff looks to knee his man in the head, but Allen keeps his hands on the canvas to make him a downed fighter. Yusuff does not make the mistake many have been making lately, and instead pulls Allen’s hands off the mat to knee him a few times. The two rising featherweights jockey for position until they break, and they come out swinging. Yusuff starts loading up on shots, and Allen is able to sneak in an uppercut but gets cracked. Yusuff bites down on his mouthpiece and throws heavy shots until Allen ties him up, and the time just ticks by in this position. Yusuff occasionally brings up knees to the thigh to little effect, and Allen smartly keeps hold of underhooks to trap Yusuff in this placement. The clinch walks into the center of the cage, and Yusuff gets of a few solid knees to the body until Allen turns the tables and pushes the American back into the fencing. A single leg takedown attempt allows Allen to stall out much of the rest of the round, with Yusuff elbowing him in the side of the head until Allen abandons it. With a second or two to spare, Allen separates to wing a spinning back elbow, and the fight ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Yusuff (29-28 Allen)
The Official Result
Arnold Allen def. Sodiq Yusuff via Unanimous Decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Big Brady slightly leans toward Yusuff, citing his power, volume, and pressure. He notes that Yusuff lands 6.10 significant strikes per minute with 49% accuracy, while Allen is defensively sound but lower volume. Brady thinks the smaller cage favors Yusuff's pressure. However, he is not overly confident and acknowledges Allen's defensive skills and the money coming in on Allen. He has no bet on this fight.
Cody picks Yusuff, praising his refined Muay Thai and well-rounded game. He notes Yusuff's losses are old and he's improved, while Allen relies on grappling but may not get takedowns. He thinks Yusuff wins striking exchanges and has better cardio.
Daniel Levi picks Sodiq Yusuff, giving him a slight edge due to his 'Nigerian horsepower' and superior grappling, particularly his top control and get-up game reminiscent of Jose Aldo. He notes that Yusuff has been wobbled in fights but recovers quickly due to his conditioning. Levi respects Arnold Allen's clean boxing and fight IQ but thinks Yusuff's power and wrestling might be the difference. He calls it a high-level fight that could go either way.
The host likes Allen's technical striking, balance, and defensive soundness. He thinks Allen will be faster to the punch and that Yusuff's chin is suspect. He picks Allen to win by decision, noting that the line is close and that Allen offers good value as a slight underdog.
Paul picks Yusuff, highlighting his striking advantage and Allen's reliance on grappling. He notes Allen's close fights and favorable matchmaking, while Yusuff is sharper and has better cardio. He suggests the fight goes the distance.
The MMA Guru picks Arnold Allen as an underdog, noting he would have picked him even as a slight favorite. He believes Allen has better technique, more experience, and a proven chin, while Yusuff has been rocked in past fights. He thinks Allen will use straight shots, calf kicks, and front kicks to outpoint Yusuff, who relies on looping hooks. He mentions Allen's broken hand in the Nick Lentz fight but still won every round. He predicts a 30-27 unanimous decision for Allen.
Giga Chikadze - Fight History
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 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.
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.
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.
Expert Picks (7)
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.
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