G. Chikadze ran over E. Barboza in the UFC Las Vegas 35. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram
A surprise marked the main fight of the UFC Las Vegas 35. This Saturday (28), Giga Chikadze took no notice of Edson Barboza and ran over the Brazilian in a featherweight fight (up to 65,7kg). After two busy rounds, it was in the third stage that the Georgian surprised and found a tough knockout against the Friborg native.
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There was a lot of expectation for the athletes’ meeting. As they were two excellent strikers, the promise was of a confrontation marked by aggression.
Current number 10 in the rankings, Giga 'ignored' the feared Barboza and, on the night, was superior to the Tupiniquim in the stand-up fight. With precise combinations, the Georgian, who maintained his unbeaten record in Ultimate, once again proved himself in Ultimate and entered the radar for a future title fight.
Beaten in the main fight, Edson momentarily withdraws from a fight for the category title. With the setback, the Friborg native is expected to lose ninth place to Chikadze. The stumble marked the Tupiniquim's third negative result in five fights in the featherweight division.
In an interview after the triumph, Giga did not shy away and proposed the next challenge. At the microphone, the Georgian asked for a confrontation against the former champion of the category, Max Holloway.
The fight
The confrontation began with Chikadze taking the initiative with a low kick, immediately responded in kind by the Brazilian. Barboza closed the distance and connected with a clean jab to his opponent's face. Giga continued trying to undermine the base of the Friburgo player, who continued moving forward. Halfway through the stage, Edson was almost surprised by a flying knee, but the attack grazed the Tupiniquim's face. Barboza tried to surround his rival and tried to find the best moment for attacks. The confrontation remained tense, with good blows from both sides. In the final minute, Giga attacked the Brazilian with combinations of punches and kicks. The Friborg native absorbed the attacks well and responded with a cross, which went empty. The assault ended with Chikadze risking a high kick, but the blow didn't touch the Tupiniquim.
In the second stage, the athletes returned, focusing on low kicks. Giga again risked a flying knee, but the attack went empty again. Barboza continued walking forward and tried to press his opponent against the bars. Chikadze shook the Brazilian with a clean right to the face. The Brazilian responded with a cross. Giga attacked the Brazilian again with a combination of jab, straight shot and high kick. The Friborg native had a disadvantage when it came to striking, but he continued 'chasing' his opponent around the octagon. The round ended with the athletes studying each other close to the fence.
The third round began with the fighters exchanging attacks in the center of the Octagon. Barboza attacked with a sequence of jabs and the Georgian responded with a low kick. Chikadze rocked Edson with a direct shot. Trying to take advantage of the good moment, Giga continued attacking the Brazilian, who was trying to survive. After a series of blows, the Friborg native ended up falling and leaving his neck exposed. The Tupiniquim managed to get up, but he was staggering around the octagon. After another series of attacks from Giga, the referee interrupted the confrontation.
UFC Las Vegas 35 results
MAIN CARD
Feather weight: : Giga Chikadze derrotou Edson Barboza by technical knockout at 1m44s of R3
Average weight: BryanBattle finished Gilbert Urbina with a rear naked choke at 2m15s of R2 – TUF 29 Final
Bantamweight: Ricky Turcios defeated Brady Hiestand via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28) – TUF 29 Final
Welterweight: Daniel Rodriguez defeated Kevin Lee in the unanimous decision of the judges (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Average weight: Andre Petroski derrotou Michael Gillmore by technical knockout at 3m12s of R3
Average weight: Gerald meerschaert finished Makhmud Muradov with a rear naked choke at 1m49s of R2
PRELIMINARY CARD
Average weight: Abdul Razak Alhassan derrotou Alessio di chirico by knockout at 17sec. from R1
Average weight: Wellington Turman derrotou Sam alvey in the judges' split decision (28-27, 27-28, 28-27)
Light Heavyweight: dustin jacoby derrotou Darren stewart by technical knockout at 3m04s of R1
Women's Flyweight: JJ Aldrich derrotou Vanessa Demopoulos in the unanimous decision of the judges (30-27, 30-27, 30-27)
Feather weight: pat sabatini finished Jamall Emmers with a heel hook at 1m53s of R1
Bantamweight: Mana Martinez defeated Guido cannetti in the judges' split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
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