Giga Chikadze showed off what made him such a successful kickboxer at UFC Fight Island 5, using a variety of attacks en route to a decision victory over Omar Morales.
Experienced striker Giga Chikadze made another trip to the Octagon at UFC Fight Island 5 when he took on Omar Morales. Chikadze committed to MMA after a solid kickboxing career in GLORY and since then, he had gone 6-1 with three stoppages, but had yet to get a finish three fights into his Octagon career. Morales came into the fight undefeated at 10-0 with UFC wins over Dong Hyun Ma and Gabriel Benitez.
Both fighters got going right away as Giga Chikadze refused to touch gloves. Morales was eating hard leg kicks and was hit was a swift combination by the veteran striker. Chikadze was trying to go high with the kick, but was coming up short. An overhand shot landed for Chikadze and Morales was forced to try some grappling. Chikadze’s defense held up and remained on the feet. More kicks to the calf came through for Chikadze followed by a stiff left straight. The hardest shot of the round came right before the end when Chikadze stung Morales with a heavy left body kick.
Clinical!
It's been a striking showcase through 1️⃣. #UFCFightIsland5 pic.twitter.com/svSUFtC8NL
— UFC (@ufc) October 10, 2020
Both men traded overhands to start the second round, but Chikadze overreached on a second one and was taken down as Morales fought off a whizzer attempt. Chikadze scooted to the fence and was able to stand back up. Chikadze shortened up on his strikes and began landing shots again after coming up short on a few strikes. A clean overhand left clocked Morales, who responded with a pair of jabs. Multiple left hooks landed for Chikadze, but Morales stayed strong. With about 15 seconds left, Chikadze went back to the body kick, drilling Morales with a pair.
Just eating 'em! 🍴
These two strikers won't give an inch.
[ #UFCFightIsland5 | #InAbuDhabi | @VisitAbuDhabi ] pic.twitter.com/LK1nIC8rm1
— UFC (@ufc) October 10, 2020
Chikadze started the third round a bit more conservative, with Morales taking the center of the cage. Morales landed a few shots, then tried for a clinch, but was bucked off. Near the halfway point of the round, Chikadze landed a solid body kick, then they traded straight punches. Chikadze went body kick to left straight combo, but ate a returning punch. A reaching right hand knocked Morales down and Chikadze pursued the finish with a ton of energy. He landed a slew of hammerfists, but Morales found enough of a window to stand up. Morales landed a combination after eating an axe kick and the fight came to a close following a rolling thunder attempt by Chikadze.
RAINING DOWN 🌧
🇬🇪 @Giga_Chikadze with a rapid attack after the right lands flush!
[ Watch on #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/Rxa5wVHohI
— UFC (@ufc) October 10, 2020
Giga Chikadze def. Omar Morales by Unanimous Decision (30-27 x3)
