“He’s a bigger name than some of the top-five guys,” Giga Chikadze is expecting fireworks against Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 35

“He’s a bigger name than some of the top-five guys,” Giga Chikadze is expecting fireworks against Edson Barboza at UFC Vegas 35

Giga Chikadze and Edson Barboza

The main event of UFC Vegas 35 will be headlined by two of the best strikers in the UFC Featherweight division, Giga Chikadze, and Edson Barboza. Chikadze is still undefeated in UFC and he is really excited to face a veteran like Barboza.

Talking about his fight in the UFC Vegas 35, pre-fight interview, Giga Chikadze says, “It’s a real Mortal Kombat fight, I feel like two ninjas are going to go there, and it’s going to be fun. Yeah, I’m excited. I really, really can’t wait – like I have goosebumps when I think about it.”

Since his win against Cub Swanson in his last fight, Chikadze has been calling out almost all top five ranked fighters to face him but when Edson Barboza’s name came up, he was more satisfied to face him.

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Chikadze added, “Edson is a big name, He’s a bigger name than some of the top-five guys. I was calling out top-five names because I wanted to move forward to the title quicker, faster. … I wanted to have a higher-ranked opponent, but Edson is a big name, and once I pass this challenge, then I’m ready for whatever, man – like even the highest level.” {H/T MMA Junkie}

Giga Chikadze aiming to show that he is an elite striker

Giga Chikadze
Giga Chikadze

The fight between Giga Chikadze and Edson Barboza is not about only moving up in the ranking, it is also related to establishing supremacy as the best striker in the division.

Chikadze added, “People call him the best striker in MMA, in the UFC – until I come, and now I’m here, I have a chance to prove it, what I’ve said, and I’m excited, man. I’m really excited because the fans are going to enjoy it. Fans are going to remember this fight as one of the best fights.”

In his last fight against Shane Burgos, Barboza exhibited elite striking skills and now Chikadze is waiting to show him that his skills are better. He continued, “I believe he’s going to come strong.”

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“I believe he’s going to bring his 100 percent game, but as I said, striking for MMA is one thing, but striking – highest-level striking – when you are when you proven in a different sport, it’s different, man. … Of course, definitely he’s a very good striker, but I don’t see the fight going anywhere that I can lose, I’m just being honest. We’ll see.” {H/T MMA Junkie}

Also Read: UFC Vegas 35: Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze Prediction and Fight Preview.