MMA veteran Cub Swanson is in his 10th year in the UFC, and he’s looking to get closer to a dream title fight when he looks to stop the up-and-coming Giga Chikadze in this featherweight matchup. Check out our preview of this fight along with the winner’s prediction below.
Swanson is already 37 but he showed that he’s far from being done in the fighting game when he scored two wins in a row over Kon Gracie (unanimous decision) and Daniel Pineda (TKO). Those victories came after Swanson looked like he was on the way down amidst a four-fight losing streak. With confidence and momentum back for Swanson, he’ll look to score a mild upset this coming Saturday night against Chikadze. Although Swanson hasn’t fought in a title fight so far in his lengthy career, his extensive experience in the game should serve him well when he goes up against Chikadze. Swanson’s power will also be a factor. He has 12 knockout wins against just a knockout loss, as he’s also as durable as they come. But Swanson could be keener on bringing the fight to the mat. He has a 1.09 takedown average and a 51.06 takedown accuracy percentage. Swanson injured his knee after his win over Gracie but looked way over it when he defeated Pineda.
Betting on Giga Chikadze (-210)
MMA Record: 12-2-0
Chikadze continues to impress in the UFC. Since entering the promotion in 2019, Chikadze has racked up five wins with zero losses. Overall, he is 7-0 in his last seven fights, dating back to his days in the Gladiator Challenge. Chikadze last saw action in November of last year, when he scored a TKO win over Jamey Simmons in the first round, earning him a Performance of the Night honors as well. Chikadze’s size poses a huge threat to Swanson. The Georgian is taller by four inches than Swanson and also owns a significant four-inch reach advantage. Chikadze will have to capitalize on those advantages against Swanson, who will look to cut down the octagon by trying to bring him down to the canvas. Chikadze’s power and length should help him avoid takedown attempts from his opponent, while also dealing damage standing up. He has six knockout wins against zero knockout losses. He also won twice via submissions.
