Swanson Releases Statement After ‘Giga’ Kick Loss

It took Giga Chikadze just over a minute to dispatch Cub Swanson with a big body kick, but that didn’t stop the two from showing each other loads of respect.

UFC Vegas 25 saw Cub Swanson’s two fight win streak snapped in quick order when Giga Chikadze hit “Killer” Cub with a killer liver kick a minute into their bout (watch the highlights here). It’s Chikadze’s biggest win and a sign the Georgian fighter is destined for top ten ranking. But Giga didn’t let that big moment stop him from being all class with his opponent.

Cameras caught Chikadze’s brutal body kick from all angles, and they also caught Chikadze afterward showing respect to Swanson. Nothing takes away the sting of a quick 1:04 defeat, but it certainly helps when the guy who beats you isn’t a jerk.

“He couldn’t have been any more respectful after,” Swanson wrote on Twitter. “I really appreciate that. Good luck on the next one.”

The win puts Chikadze on an 8 fight win streak (6 in a row in the UFC) and is also Giga’s second first round finish. As for Cub, he drops to 27-12 and 2-5 over his last seven. Don’t count him out though — those losses come to killers like Brian Ortega, Frankie Edgar, and now giga Chikadze.

The loss may have put the brakes on Swanson re-emerging as a contender at featherweight, but it’s just the second time he’s been finished with strikes. We’re always looking forward to a “Killer Cub” fight, so hopefully he’ll get the chance to bounce back soon.