Jeff Smith 
@adminWith all the hype and excitement over UFC’s big event, like the recent UFC 261, a lot of casual fans of the sport miss out on some really good action. You could almost say better action than the big events. Why? Well, let’s look at how most of the big fights go down.
There is normally a ton of trash talking on social media. “Back in the day” if you wanted to bad mouth or call someone out you had to hold a press conference or release a statement to the newspapers. But nowadays you simply go on Twitter or Instagram and put out a “Tweet” or video and voila, instant controversy!
Next, the promoters and press exploit the banter, creating even more interest in watching the fight. Fans then pay big bucks for pay-per-views or to watch it live. After months of hype and anticipation, the fight for a championship lasts for approx. 2 rounds. Of course, some last longer and some even go the distance, but most end in the second to third round.
And if you are looking for a good bet, most title fights have terrible odds. Which brings us to fights that can be more exciting and intriguing like this one on May 1 at Vegas 25. A co-main event match-up in the featherweight division between Cub Swanson vs Giga Chikadze.
These two fighters couldn’t be in more different places. “Killer Cub” is an excellent veteran, but he is not in any kind of title talk, and still very dangerous. “The Ninja” is an up and coming fighter that will be facing his first real test in the UFC, he has won five straight since joining the UFC.
Chikadze is known for his striking as he is an ex-kickboxer, and he uses it to full potential. Keeping his opponents at bay and forcing them to keep the fight off the ground. If he can keep Swanson from getting inside for takedowns he will be able to use his superior striking to his advantage.
Swanson needs to be patient and not rush in, if he does he will risk running into “Ninja’s” punishing punches and kicks. “Killer Cub” is a striker as well but he is not in the same league as Chikadze. Swanson has more ground experience and needs to use that to get Chikadze off his game, make it a true MMA fight.
If this were a five round fight the advantage goes to Swanson, as he has incredible cardio stamina. But it’s scheduled for just three rounds and that throws the advantage in Chikadze’s corner, as the stronger striker he can exert more energy.
The line has Chikadze at -175 to -238 to win, and Swanson at a +135 to +175 underdog. Picking Swanson to win as the underdog is not so far fetched in this one, he has picked up some good wins and has nothing to lose. Whereas this will be Chikadze’s first headliner and his toughest opponent to date, let’s see if he holds up under the pressure.
