Only one athlete was making their promotional debut at UFC 248: Jamall Emmers.
A talented featherweight with a strong record on the regional scene, Emmers had stumbled a couple of times along the way to the UFC, losing on both the Contender Series and Dana White’s Lookin’ for a Fight. That said, wins over Alexander Hernandez and Cory Sandhagen do not come easy, and those were two of the names listed on Emmers’ resume.
Facing Emmers on Saturday night in Las Vegas was another Contender Series alum whose appearance on the show didn’t go his way: Giga Chikadze.
There was some early adversity for Emmers in round one as Chikadze caught him with a right, running in wobbling him just a bit. Nothing much was happening throughout the mid-way mark of the fight. Giga was doing a good job controlling the octagon kicking the body in his striking zone. Giga was using a lot of feints and throwing some flashy stuff, including a rolling thunder kick that landed just slightly at the bell.
Right on the horn! 🚨
Round 2 shaping up to be a good one… 👀 #UFC248 pic.twitter.com/j5iYeOLS0Q
— UFC (@ufc) March 8, 2020
Emmers was much more aggressive to start the second throwing a flying knee, knee to the body, and a straight right landing flush. The action was a lot higher this round as both men were throwing a lot of output. Chikadze was still kicking that body well and that resulted in Emmers finally shooting and getting a takedown. It wasn’t there long though, as Giga Chikadze exploded and got on top and separated. Emmers closeed out the round throwing much more and attacking more with takedown attempts, although Giga defended well.
Emmers was still fresh in round three picking up the pace, while Chikadze was more plodding. Emmers was using his footwork well, moving away from the attack of Giga for the most part. Emmers more and more was landing that right hand followed by his straight left. In the final minute, Emmers may have just sealed his win with a takedown and ground and pound to close the fight. But it didn’t turn out that way when the scorecards were read. Instead, Giga Chikadze took home the split decision victory.
Official Result: Giga Chikadze def. Jamall Emmers by Split Decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)
