#4. Bryan Battle weathers early storm to become The Ultimate Fighter in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze
TUF 29 middleweight finalists, Bryan Battle and Gilbert Urbina, locked horns in the co-main event of UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze.
The Houston native started strong, overwhelming Battle and cutting his brow open with a barrage of devastating strikes. Battle was able to hold his own and answered back patiently.
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However, the onslaught from Urbina did not stop. The finalist, who lost to Tresean Gore in the semi-finals of TUF 29, also scored takedowns to add to his credibility on the scorecards. The first round seemed like an eternity for Bryan Battle. He was in trouble from the onset and failed to find his rhythm.
Nonetheless, the 26-year-old Team Volkanovski representative weathered the early storm. In round two, the two fighters were almost engaged in a clinch when Urbina threw a spinning elbow. While Battle absorbed part of the strike, he used his opponent's movement to his advantage, taking his back and locking in a rear-naked choke.
Urbina tapped, helping Battle sail to a submission victory in 2:15 of the second round of their fight at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze.
#3. Giga Chikadze outclasses Edson Barboza in the main event
The highly anticipated featherweight headliner between Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze finally made it inside the octagon at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze. As expected, the fight was a display of pure striking masterclass.
Giga Chikadze proved his mettle and validated his claim of being the best striker in MMA by knocking out striking legend Edson Barboza. The Georgian proved to be faster and more efficient than the veteran Barboza.
Barboza also had his moments in round two. However, Giga Chikadze mixed his strikes exceptionally well. The Georgian connected with a flying knee and followed up with devastating punches that rocked Edson Barboza. The Brazilian struggled to regain his composure. Giga Chikadze maintained his focus and got the job done by landing one last clean strike as Edson Barboza attempted to stand up.
Giga Chikadze won the fight in the third round via TKO at UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs. Chikadze.