UFC Vegas 35 takes place this weekend with many exciting matches for the fans to look forward to. But none exceeds the main event featuring Brazilian-American Edson Barboza and Georgian Giga Chikadze. The featherweight clash is important for both the elite fighters as they look to march towards a title challenge.
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Barboza is currently riding a 2 fight win streak and would look to carry the momentum against the Georgian. His last win came against Shane Burgos at UFC 262, headlined by Michael Chandler vs Charles Oliveira. He has picked up 22 wins and incurred 9 losses in his career. Out of those 22 wins, 13 have come via KO/TKO, 1 via submission, and 8 via decisions.
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‘Ninja’ meanwhile, is riding an 8 fight win streak and would like to stretch the lead further. He last fought Cub Swanson in March this year and won via KO/TKO in round 1. He has picked up 13 wins and incurred 2 losses. Out of those 13, 8 have come via KO/TKO, 1 via submission, and 4 via decisions.
Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze- Analysis
If we look at their physical stats, Barboza measures 5’11” in height with a 75″ reach. ‘Ninja’ meanwhile, stands at 6’0″ and has a reach of 74″.
Barboza lands 4.16 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 44%. He absorbs 4.15 significant strikes per minute with a rate of 59%. He has an average takedown of 0.42 per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 42%. The Brazilian has a takedown defense of 78%.
Chikadze, meanwhile, lands 3.55 significant strikes per minute with an accuracy of 44%. He absorbs 2.67 significant strikes per minute with a defense rate of 60%. He averages 0.38 takedowns per 15 minutes with an accuracy of 33%. ‘Ninja’ has a takedown defense of 68%.
Chikadze has been sweeping past his opponents, but the only high-octane clash he ever faced was against Swanson. Although he finished him quickly, Cub was miles past his prime.
Barboza, meanwhile, has fought almost every great lightweight the UFC offered him over the past ten years. It won’t be easy for Chikadze to upset him with his hyper-active attack.
Also, Barboza has had a tough time against Dan Ige in but he’s never really been overpowered by sheer volume. The only concern for him he gets tired if someone pushes him hard on strikes.
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So, it will interest fans to see if Chikadze has enough in his armor to hurt Barboza in the early goings. He could either take him out through striking or cause him to tire out on the canvas. But the possibility of that happening seems less against a veteran like Barboza.
Final Prediction: Barboza via unanimous decision
