LAS VEGAS – If you’re of the mind that Saturday’s UFC on ESPN 30 headliner between Giga Chikadze and Edson Barboza might prove to be something special, you’re not alone.
Chikadze, for one, says he believes exactly the same.
“It’s a real Mortal Kombat fight,” Chikadze told MMA Junkie at Wednesday’s media day at the UFC Apex. “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.”
Chikadze (13-2 MMA, 6-0 UFC) and Barboza (22-9 MMA, 16-9 UFC) meet in the main event of Saturday’s card, which airs on ESPN and streams live on ESPN+ from the UFC Apex. On paper, the bout looks like pure fireworks, with both men known to be some of the absolute best strikers in the sport.
It’s a meaningful match, as well, with both fighters sitting in the honorable mention category of the latest USA TODAY Sports/MMA Junkie featherweight rankings. While Chikadze had been asking to be paired with someone higher up on the list, he says he was more than satisfied when Barboza was the name he was given.
“Edson is a big name,” Chikadze said. “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.”
But at its core, this fight is one that doesn’t seem to have been made just to impact the rankings of the 145-pound division. It’s the rare fight that just seems almost guaranteed to deliver action, as two men battle not only for victory but for bragging rights of striking supremacy.
Chikadze knows what the expectations are for the matchup, and he believes the contest is going to live up to the hype. Already a prior world champion in the worlds of karate and kickboxing, Chikadze is ready to show how that skill translates to elite-level MMA, as well.
“People call him the best striker in MMA, in the UFC – until I come, and now I’m here,” Chikadze said. “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.
“I believe he’s going to come strong. 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.”
To see the full interview with Chikadze, check out the video above.
Giga Chikadze says Edson Barboza matchup will be two ninjas in ‘a real Mortal Kombat fight’
