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

Cub Swanson (27-11) and Giga Chikadze (12-2) face off this Saturday, May 1 at UFC Fight Night. It’s a big test for the emerging Chikadze, and the veteran Swanson will give him no safe quarter.

We have the betting odds and pick you need to be the big winner once the dust settles.

Swanson still has something left

Time may not be on Swanson’s side, but the aging legend has won his last two fights and still has something left in the tank. He was too much for Kron Gracie, and stopped Daniel Pineda in his last fight.

There isn’t anything Swanson hasn’t seen over the course of his long career. He is still capable on the mat and his chin has held up well, only having been stopped once in 38 fights.

Chikadze is stepping up

Chikadze hasn’t fought someone as accomplished as Swanson, but he’s undefeated in his five fights with the UFC. The former GLORY kickboxer is definitely looking to bring the fight to Swanson, having scored seven stoppages in his career.

What Chikadze does bring is a pronounced advantage in youth, height, and reach. While Swanson is not the fighter he used to be, Chikadze would be wise to utilize his physical gifts and keep his foe on the end of his long strikes. Though Chikadze is competing at featherweight, he may also be the naturally bigger fighter, having competed at lightweight in his GLORY years.

Swanson will keep his winning streak alive

There is still some fight left in Swanson, and while he’s not a threat for the division’s best, he’s going to be enough trouble for the untested Chikadze. Swanson has plenty of faith in his chin, and he might have a few tricks up his sleeve to get his younger opponent to fight at his pace.

Chikadze won’t be able to hurt Swanson, and will need to fight him off for the duration of the bout. Swanson’s explosive striking might also take him by surprise. There’s too many things we don’t know about Chikadze, and Swanson has always been a well-rounded fighter despite his shortcomings.

This could be another grinder, but Swanson should keep himself alive for another meaningful fight down the line. Expect Swanson to score the minor upset and eke out a decision in a competitive fight.

MMA pick: Swanson