UFC Vegas 35 showed out as the technique of Giga Chikadze secured him the TKO victory against the ruthless Edson Barboza.
The two fought a methodical war, and “Giga” looked extremely fast against the Brazilian veteran. In the beginning, Barboza put forth a lot of forward pressure and had a few moments with some stiff leg kicks which saw Chikadze back up against the cage. Though, the driving force of the night was the speed of “Giga”.
Embedded on the main card, the UFC crowned a winner at 135-pounds and 185-pounds on The Return of The Ultimate Fighter: Team Volkanovski vs. Team Ortega. At middleweight, Bryan Battle defeated Gilbert Urbina with a late rear-naked choke come-from-behind win. Also, at bantamweight the popular personality Ricky Turcios took Brady Hiestand to a split-decision victory that awarded him the designation as The Ultimate Fighter as well.
In the main event, Chikadze’s fast striking alongside his unique ability to cloak those attacks made the difference between the two kickers. The fight was truly suspenseful as most understood the threat of the takedown was not present. While they both traded kicks in the beginning, afterward it seemed Chikadze got the better of the exchanges. Following those sequences, Barboza primarily began using his hands to guide him through the fight.
The Georgian stand-up fighter got the job done in the third round by blending his kicks and hands together. Prior to the finishing act, Chikadze connected on Barboza several times, and even though “Junior” didn’t collapse to the ground, the referee thought he had taken too many shots without defending himself effectively, and halted the contest.
With the latest win, the #10-ranked “Giga” will make a significant impact in the division despite overcoming a competitor ranked at #9. UFC Vegas 35 was a coming-out party of sorts for Chikadze, so surely a big fight is on the Georgian’s horizon next.
UFC Vegas 35 – Pros React On Twitter
Some big shots after a high level chess match in the first round! #UFCVegas35 #UFCpic.twitter.com/7W43Dzwg7R
— All Access MMA (@AllAccessMMA247) August 29, 2021
Giga started of strong but looks to be hurting and slowing down! #UFCVegas35
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) August 29, 2021
Well done Giga, I thought he was slowing down in round two…guess not!! 🤣 #UFCVegas35
— Alex Volkanovski (@alexvolkanovski) August 29, 2021
That fight was CHILLS! Strikers like that keep you on the edge of your seat waiting for the finishing shot! Giga is your winner tonight! HUGE for Georgia!! 🇬🇪 #UFCVegas35
— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) August 29, 2021
Wow @giga_chikadze is the real@deal!#UFCVegas35
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) August 29, 2021
This is a crazy match up 😳
— Dan “50k” Ige (@Dynamitedan808) August 29, 2021
Giga taking charge
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 29, 2021
Giga talked and then he walked
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) August 29, 2021
Wow @giga_chikadze is a monster wow 👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾👏🏾
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) August 29, 2021
"This is was absolutely a chess match of the highest level of striking."@Giga_Chikadze reflects on defeating Edson Barboza at #UFCVegas35 and what he believes is next after his emphatic win 🔊⬆️
All #UFCVegas35 results and highlights ⤵️:
— UFC News (@UFCNews) August 29, 2021
Was Giga Chikadze’s performance at UFC Vegas 35 a changing of the guard?
