Featherweights
Omar Morales (10-0) vs. Giga Chikadze (10-2)This should be a banger. Chikadze’s signing was an interesting one: While he had enjoyed a solid career as a kickboxer, his MMA wins prior to the UFC essentially did not count as professional victories given the level of competition. However, since making it to the Octagon, Chikadze has proven himself capable of holding his own. While striking remains the area in which he is most comfortable, he has shown enough grappling skills to get by, including a solid top game. Morales represents Chikadze’s toughest challenge to date in the UFC. If nothing else, the Venezuelan is the rare striker who can match Chikadze’s long frame at featherweight. This actually marks Morales’ cut down from lightweight, a move that was a bit of a surprise. He was doing fine as a power kickboxer, and his last win over Gabriel Benitez suggested an ability to pick up the pace that might not be present at 145 pounds. If the cut to featherweight does not affect Morales, this is probably his fight to lose. It is a well-made bout between two very similar fighters, but Chikadze has shown a clear tendency to tire badly if forced to keep up any sort of pace for 15 minutes. Given that the Sanford MMA rep is the more proven three-round fighter, the pick is Morales via decision.
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