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#2 UFC Featherweight division: Cub Swanson vs. Giga Chikadze

Can veteran Cub Swanson (left) turn back the challenge of Giga Chikadze (right) this weekend?

If you go by the previous performances of these two in the UFC, this one promises to be a barnburner.

Everyone knows what to expect from Swanson now. Formerly known for his grappling and wrestling, the veteran is now a combination-based kickboxer.

And while he’s no longer as durable as he was in his prime, his recent wins over Daniel Pineda and Kron Gracie showed he’s still got plenty to offer at this level.

Chikadze, meanwhile, is a prospect looking to break into the upper echelon of the division by taking out the longtime veteran.

The native of Georgia is also a combination-based striker, throwing wild flurries at his opponent with an insane amount of energy.

That style has taken him to a 12-2 record and five straight wins in the UFC, including his first finish – over Jamey Simmons – in his last octagon appearance.

Chikadze’s goal here will undoubtedly be to push the pace of Cub Swanson to the point where the veteran simply can’t keep up.

Swanson’s chin is probably going to be too tricky for the Georgian to crack, particularly given his lack of KO finishes in the UFC previously. And while Chikadze has a solid grappling background, he probably won’t want to scramble with Cub Swanson.

The closest fight to compare this one to is probably Swanson’s 2019 meeting with Shane Burgos. That fight saw the veteran outworked by a hungrier and more aggressive opponent, and while Burgos is much bigger than Chikadze and hits harder, it was his pace that wilted Swanson more than anything.

Overall then, it’ll likely be a close fight – but Chikadze should edge a tight decision.

The Pick: Chikadze via unanimous decision