UFC Fight Night Barboza vs. Chikadze: Live results and analysis
Edison Barboza felt he was close.
The UFC ranked 9th featherweight never struggled not to believe but simply believed he was only two wins away from finally realizing the opportunity. He's got a tough one to pick on Saturday, in the form of a five-round main event against ranked 10th Giga Chikadze inside Apex.
Barboza (22-9) is 3-1 since dropping down to the featherweight division last year -- and there are some who feel he really should be 4-0, as the only loss was a narrow decision for Dan Ige. Beating Chikadze would be a significant win on Barboza's resume, as the Georgian was 6-0 in the UFC.
Follow along with Brett Okamoto and Jeff Wagenheim to recap the action or watch the fight on ESPN+.
The hype behind Rodriguez as a potential title contender will continue to increase, following his three-round win over Lee.
Rodriguez, from Los Angeles, defeated Lee by unanimous decision in a fight he took on short notice. Rodriguez replaced Lee's original opponent, Sean Brady, who was forced off the card due to injury. The three judges judged the welterweight fight in his favour, 29-28.
Lee, a former interim lightweight title contender, forced his way into the opening round as he brought down Rodriguez, controlled him and scored an elbow from above. Rodriguez was ready to wrestle Lee in the second and third rounds, however, thwarting Lee's effort and leaving him apart at the feet.
Jabs and deep-footed shots were very effective for Rodriguez, and he threatened to finish off Lee late in the second round. A stiff left hand put Lee on roller skates, and he only survived by shooting for takedowns and holding out until the end of the round. Rodriguez is now 6-1 in the UFC, with three finishes.
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On the other hand, Chikadze (13-2) is eyeing a second straight signature win, coming off a first-round stoppage from Cub Swanson in May.
In addition to the main event, the UFC will crown two winners of the reality series The Ultimate Fighter -- for the first time since 2018. Bantamweight Ricky Turcios (10-2) and Brady Hiestand (5-1) and middleweight Bryan Battle (5-1) and Gilbert Urbina (6-1) will decide on the UFC contract.
The UFC ranked 9th featherweight has never fought for the championship but believes he is only two wins away from finally realizing the opportunity. He's got a tough one ahead of him on Saturday, in the form of a five-round main event against ranked 10th Giga Chikadze inside Apex.
Barboza (22-9) is 3-1 since dropping down to the featherweight division last year -- and there are some who feel he really should be 4-0, as the only loss was a narrow decision for Dan Ige. Beating Chikadze would be a significant win on Barboza's resume, as the Georgian was 6-0 in the UFC.
On the other hand, Chikadze (13-2) is eyeing his second straight signature win, as he came out of a first-round stoppage to Cub Swanson in May.
In addition to the main event, the UFC will crown two winners of the reality series The Ultimate Fighter -- for the first time since 2018. Bantamweight Ricky Turcios (10-2) and Brady Hiestand (5-1) and middleweight Bryan Battle (5-1) and Gilbert Urbina (6-1) will square off for a UFC contract.