UFC Vegas 35 features an exciting main event between UFC veteran, Edson barboza and the rising star of the featherweight division, Giga Chikadze. It’s a crucial fight in the division.
If Edson Barboza wins this fight he will get very close to a title shot in the featherweight division. Though Barboza is one of the most exciting fighters in the UFC roaster he has never earned an opportunity to fight for the prestigious UFC title.
On the other hand, Giga Chikadze has been on an unbeaten win streak and has established himself as one of the best strikers in the division. But, if he gets the win over Edson Barboza then he will solidify his place in the top 10 and put the division on notice.
So who gets the job done at UFC Vegas 35?
Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze stats:
Edson Barboza
Wins/Losses: 22/9
Height/Reach: 5 ft 11 inches/ 75 inches
Striking accuracy- 44%
Striking Defense- 59%
Significant wins: Dan Hooker, Shane Burgos, Beneil Dariush, Gilbert Melendez, Anthony Pettis
Giga Chikadze
Wins/Losses: 13/2
Height/Reach: 6 ft / 74 inches
Striking accuracy- 44%
Striking Defense- 60%
Significant wins: Cub Swanson
Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze prediction
It’s a striker vs striker matchup between two of the best in the business. Edson Barboza is notorious for his leg kicks throughout his career. He has had many highlight-reel finishes by a head kick and flying knees. On the other hand, Giga Chikadze considers himself the best striker in UFC.
He has even claimed that he can comfortably beat the former featherweight champion, Max Holloway. But, in order to earn an opportunity for a potential fight against Max Holloway, Chikadze needs to put up an impressive performance against Barboza.
Both are dangerous when it comes to leg kicks. However, Edson Barboza will have the advantage in this aspect of the fight. Though Chikadze finished Cub Swanson with a body kick it’s highly unlikely that he will repeat the same result against someone as elite as Edson Barboza.
Besides that, Barboza is extremely durable and can go 5 hard rounds against Giga Chikadze. But, this will be the first 5 round fight Chikadze who has not proven his gas tank yet in his UFC career.
Overall, Edson Barboza is a better striker and he can mix things up really well with his boxing. In his last fight against Shane Burgos, Barboza looked vicious with his striking and got the TKO win.
It’s highly unlikely that either of the fighters will try and take the fight to the ground. So the fans can expect a striking extravaganza in the main event of UFC Vegas 35. And in a striking battle, it’s likely that Barboza will get the win over Chikadze.
