Last Updated on August 26, 2021 2:42 pm by
Giga Chikadze is excited to be starring in his first UFC event, and he knows the fight against Edson Barboza will be exciting for the fans. Chikadze is coming off what is arguably the biggest win of his career so far, against the veteran and always dangerous Cub Swanson.
Following the win, Giga was challenging fighters in the top five, particularly Yair Rodriguez. Although nothing came to fruition with a top-five finish, Giga still managed to get a headlining fight in the UFC.
In Gambyl we show you the most relevant information about the UFC match. In the same way, we have prepared a series of sports predictions related to the fight in which we show you the most interesting markets and odds.
Betting line and relevant UFC fight information:
Where: UFC Apex | Las Vegas.
Date: 26/08/2021
Time: 20:00 E.T.
Moneyline Odds: Barboza -120 | Chikadze -110
Draw Odds: N/A
Where to watch: DAZN and UFC Fight Pass
In a recent interview, Chikadze talked about what the fight represents to him.
“It’s a big deal for me, my country and overall it’s a big fight. But, for me, I think it’s just another fight on the road to my dream of becoming a UFC champion. I was hoping to fight someone in the top five, but Edson is a bigger name than some of them in the top five. It’s just big fights from here on out, and I’ll fight the best in the world.”
Chikadze expects the fight against Barboza to be a kickboxing duel for a few minutes. However, he says that once he starts connecting with the Brazilian, Barboza will become a fighter.
“I think he’ll try to take me down. He’ll start with striking and then he’ll see the difference in the level of striking we have and try for the takedown. He’ll be surprised when he sees how much better a striker I am, we’re on different levels. Then he will become a wrestler and try to take me down.”
Although Chikadze is known for being a striker, he says his takedown defense and grappling have gotten better. Giga has been Beneil Dariush’s main training partner, which has benefited him a lot.
In the standup department, he knows what Edson Barboza does, and Giga claims to do it better. He knows he has a style that can find the openings and hurt the Brazilian. Once he does, Chikadze says he’ll find the finish which he says will be a highlight finish.
“He has really good calf kicks and spinning kicks. But I also know how to do them, and I can counter them. My jab is also very good, and I see a lot of openings where I can catch him. I’ll be able to change my stance and find those opportunities. However, I know I won’t force anything, because when I try to force the knockout, sometimes it’s not there. I’m just going to be myself, do my thing and be explosive when I need to be. I’m going to win this fight spectacularly.”
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