It took Giga Chikadze just over a minute to dispatch Cub Swanson with a big body kick, but that didn’t stop the two from showing each other loads of respect.
UFC Vegas 25 saw Cub Swanson’s two-fight win streak snapped in quick order when Giga Chikadze hit “Killer” Cub with a killer liver kick one minute into their bout (watch the highlights here). It marked Chikadze’s biggest win and a sign the Georgian fighter is destined for a Top 10 ranking.
But, Chikadze didn’t let that big moment stop him from being all class with his opponent.
Cameras caught Chikadze’s brutal body kick from all angles, and they also caught Chikadze afterward showing respect to Swanson. Nothing takes away the sting of a quick 1:04 defeat, but it certainly helps when the guy who beats you isn’t a jerk.
“He couldn’t have been any more respectful after,” Swanson wrote on Twitter. “I really appreciate that. Good luck on the next one.”
The Giga kick to the liver that put Cub Swanson down #UFCVegas25 pic.twitter.com/KwzS6wjogr
— MMA mania (@mmamania) May 2, 2021
He couldn’t have been any more respectful after. I really appreciate that. Good luck on the next one https://t.co/KyN4OFyK3S
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) May 2, 2021
The win puts Chikadze on an eight-fight win streak (six in a row in UFC) and is also Chikadze’s second first round finish. As for Swanson, he drops to 27-12 and 2-5 over his last seven. Don’t count him out, though — those losses come to killers like Brian Ortega, Frankie Edgar and now Chikadze.
The loss may have put the brakes on Swanson re-emerging as a contender at Featherweight, but it’s just the second time he’s been finished with strikes. We’re always looking forward to a “Killer Cub” fight, so hopefully he’ll get the chance to bounce back soon.
For complete UFC Vegas 25: “Reyes vs. Prochazka” results and play-by-play, click HERE!