UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze betting odds, preview, and pick

Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze will face off for featherweight supremacy Saturday, Aug. 28, and you won’t want to miss what could be the fight of the year.

Let's preview the fight and come up with a pick for a bout that will have carnage from bell to bell.

“Ninja” is on the rise

Chikadze is undefeated in the UFC and quickly rising in the ranks. The high-octane kickboxer wiped out veteran Cub Swanson in his most recent fight, but many expect him to be in a tough match with the rugged Barboza.

Chikadze carries the same physical and youthful advantages from the Swanson fight, but he will face an opponent who is willing to trade from the beginning. Barboza is not an easy out, but he is there to be hit and will give Chikadze plenty of chances to land big kicks.

Barboza is still dangerous

When we last saw Barboza, he delivered one of the prettiest knockouts you’ll ever see, when he uncorked Shane Burgos in May.

The hard-hitting Barboza is two wins removed from a debilitating 1-5 stretch that left his future in the UFC in doubt, but he has battled his way up the featherweight ladder once more.

As crafty as he is tough, the Brazilian works behind crippling kicks and a solid chin. Barboza and Chikadze are both excellent kickboxers, but Barboza’s conditioning and chin have always been world class, and they are a huge boon for him against this younger foe. 

Chikadze will emerge victorious in a great fight

There is a lot of hesitation when it comes to Chikadze’s talent ceiling, but he has beaten every opponent he has faced since he joined the UFC. While Barboza is talented enough to trouble him and put him into an uncomfortable situation, Chikadze will keep pace with his veteran opponent.

Questions remain about Chikadze's conditioning and ability to take a shot from a big hitter, and Barboza is going to be right up on him until the final bell. When this fight turns into the grinder everyone is expecting, Chikadze should be able to slow Barboza down with body shots and aim a body kick that might topple the explosive striker.

While this fight won’t crown him as the next big thing at featherweight, Chikadze will win a decision in a competitive and exciting bout.

UFC pick: Chikadze (-115)