A pair of top-10 ranked featherweights will be on the marquee for this week’s UFC Fight Night, which is The Ultimate Fighter season 29 finale as well. In the main event, Edson Barboza will be colliding with Giga Chikadze as both men look to make a jump in the division.
UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Chikadze is happening on August 28 at the UFC Apex Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, with the prelims beginning at 7 p.m. ET. In the main event, the Barboza vs Chikadze odds have the higher-ranked Edson as the favorite.
The No. 9-ranked Barboza dropped four of five fights at lightweight before dropping down to featherweight. He’s 2-1 in his new weight class and enters this bout with back-to-back wins, coming off an impressive knockout victory in his last outing in May.
All Chikadze has done in the UFC is win. The No. 10-ranked featherweight made his debut in September 2019 and in six walks to the Octagon, he’s 6-0 on the heels of back-to-back knockout wins.
Barboza vs Chikadze Odds
Online sportsbook [Sportsbook not available for your region] has the Barboza vs Chikadze odds, with Edson listed as the -115 favorite and Giga the -105 underdog. This means to profit $100 with a Barboza win, you need to wager $115, while a $105 winning bet on Chikadze would net you $100.
Additionally, our sports betting calculator tells us that the -115 line for Barboza represents an implied win probability of 53.49 percent and Chikadze’s odds have an implied win probability of 51.22 percent.
The largest favorite of the UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Chikadze card comes in the Sportsbook fight of the main card with Makhmud Muradov (-575) favored over Gerald Meerschaert (+390). The tightest betting line, outside of the main event, comes in the middleweight prelim fight with Wellington Turman (-140) the betting favorite and Sam Alvey (+115) the underdog.
Barboza vs Chikadze Betting Odds & Fight Card
- Main Card
- Featherweight – Edson Barboza (-115) vs Giga Chikadze (-105)
- TUF 29 Middleweight Final – Bryan Battle (-165) vs Gilbert Urbina (+135)
- TUF 29 Bantamweight Final – Ricky Turcios (-165) vs Brady Hiestand (+135)
- Welterweight – Kevin Lee (-150) vs Daniel Rodriguez (+125)
- Middleweight – Andre Petroski (-550) vs Micheal Gillmore (+380)
- Middleweight – Makhmud Muradov (-575) vs Gerald Meerschaert (+390)
- Prelims
- Middleweight – Alessio Di Chirico (-230) vs Abdul Razak Alhassan (+185)
- Middleweight – Sam Alvey (+110) vs Wellington Turman (-130)
- Light Heavyweight – Dustin Jacoby (-175) vs Darren Stewart (+145)
- Women’s Flyweight – JJ Aldrich (-350) vs Vanessa Demopoulos (+265)
- Featherweight – Jamall Emmers (-155) vs Pat Sabatini (+125)
- Bantamweight – Mana Martinez (-350) vs Guido Cannetti (+265)
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- Date/Time: August 28, 7 p.m. ET
- Location: Las Vegas, Nevada
- Arena: UFC Apex
- Where to Watch: ESPN/ESPN+
Edson Barboza vs Giga Chikadze Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Edson Barboza | -115 |
| Giga Chikadze | -105 |
As mentioned off the top, Giga “Ninja” Chikadze (-105) has won six in a row in the UFC but his winning streak extends to two previous fights for eight straight. Meanwhile, Edson “Junior” Barboza (-115) appears to finally have his footing in his new weight class with consecutive wins for the first time in four years.
- Barboza was in the running for a title shot at lightweight for many years, getting the big fight to lead to a potential title shot but always losing that opportunity. His record stands at 22-9 with 13 knockout victories while he’s also been knocked out three times.
- Don’t look for Junior to be hunting for takedowns. He averages 0.42 takedowns per 15 minutes and has secured only one over his last nine fights.
- He is an elite striker with devastating kicks, notably his low kick. He averages 4.16 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 4.15 and he has surpassed 100 significant strikes only once. If his opponents can get to boxing range, he is a little vulnerable in that area, but the kicks they will have to endure often stop them in their tracks.
- Barboza’s last three fights were Dan Ige (loss – split decision), Makwan Amirkhani (win – unanimous decision) and Shane Burgos (win – knockout).
- Chikadze had an opportunity at a UFC contract in Dana White’s Tuesday Night Contender Series in 2018 but lost via submission. Overall, he has a record of 13-2 with eight knockouts, while his lone stoppage loss was that submission.
- Like Barboza, we shouldn’t expect Ninja to be getting the fight to the floor. He’s averaging 0.38 takedowns per 15 minutes, landing just two over his six UFC fights.
- He is an exceptional striker with high-level kicks, notably his left body kick. He averages 3.55 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.67. Chikadze likes to read his opponents’ movements early in the fight before going on the attack. Once he understands their range and techniques, he implements his plans.
- Chikadze’s last three fights were Omar Morales (win – unanimous decision), Jamey Simmons (win – knockout) and Cub Swanson (win – knockout).
Prediction: Giga Chikadze (-105) via decision
Bryan Battle vs Gilbert Urbina Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Bryan Battle | -165 |
| Gilbert Urbina | +135 |
In the TUF 29 middleweight final, Bryan “Pooh Bear” Battle (-165) takes on Gilbert Urbina (+135). Urbina actually lost to Tresean Gore in the semifinals but Gore suffered an injury and is out of this fight. Battle, on the other hand, earned his spot in the final with a submission win in the semis.
- Battle began his career as a heavyweight in 2017 but his move to middleweight has paid off well. He’s been a middleweight for his entire pro career and holds a 5-1 pro record with four stoppage wins (one knockout and three submissions). His lone defeat was a submission.
- Pooh Bear has a good frame for the middleweight division, standing six-foot-two with a 77-inch reach. He is a gritty fighter and can battle effectively wherever the fight goes. On the feet, he’s elusive with good footwork while also using his reach to keep his opponents at bay.
- He has good conditioning and while he may absorb some strikes, he has no problem taking a shot to land one of his own. Battle doesn’t typically look for takedowns but has great submission skills if the fight goes to the ground.
- Battle’s last three fights were Ben Fowler (win – submission), Kemran Lachinov (win – unanimous decision) and Andre Petroski (win – submission). The last two fights were in The Ultimate Fighter.
- Urbina is the third brother to be on The Ultimate Fighter and his brother Hector competed in the promotion. His pro record is 6-1 with his only defeat coming by decision. Three of his wins have been stoppages with one knockout and two submissions.
- He is an inch taller than Battle but will be at a three-inch reach disadvantage. He is an aggressive fighter, frequently charging forward throwing head shots, though that can lead to him running into a strike.
- Urbina’s boxing is sharp but he doesn’t mix up his strikes that well and throwing more kicks could open up more areas for his hands. He earned a submission in his first TUF fight maintaining nice back control for much of the round before the finish, showing he knows what to do on the floor.
- Urbina’s last three fights were Angelo Trevino (win – unanimous decision), Micheal Gillmore (win – submission) and Tresean Gore (loss – knockout). The last two fights were in The Ultimate Fighter.
Prediction: Bryan Battle (-165) via decision
Ricky Turcios vs Brady Hiestand Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Ricky Turcios | -165 |
| Brady Hiestand | +135 |
The other final for The Ultimate Fighter season 29 is in the bantamweight division. Brady “Bam Bam” Hiestand (+135) is a young prospect with a bright future and will be in the organization win, lose or draw, in my opinion. As for Ricky “Pretty Ricky” Turcios (-165), he’s been on the UFC’s radar for a while, having a DWTNCS appearance in the very first episode.
- Turcios’s DWTNCS appearance didn’t go as planned as he took his first loss there. He is 10-2 as a pro with three knockout wins and a submission victory as well. He’s also been knocked out once and both of his defeats have come against UFC fighters.
- Pretty Ricky is a wild fighter, willing to dig deep to put on an entertaining fight. He has good kicks at distance and his boxing is intelligent and crisp. He doesn’t fight well off his back foot and he does have some difficulty finding his range.
- He does his best work in a dogfight and never backs down from a war. On the floor, he’s active off his back with plenty of elbows, he has a good guard and he can sweep or tie up his foes.
- Turcios’s last three fights were Kaleb Petereit (win – submission), Dan Argueta (win – unanimous decision) and Liudvik Sholinian (win – unanimous decision). The last two fights were in The Ultimate Fighter.
- A teammate of UFC fighter and former TUF Sportsbook Michael Chiesa, Hiestand has had a good start to his career. He carries a 5-1 pro record with four stoppage wins (two knockouts, two submissions) while his loss came by knockout.
- He has a big frame for bantamweight, notably a 71-inch reach. Bam Bam is gritty, with exceptional grappling and great determination. The wrestler has outstanding conditioning and it is apparent when he gets his hands on his foes that he has a lot of strength.
- Hiestand is fairly cautious on the feet, sticking to long kicks or a flurry of punches that he uses to close the distance and get into a grappling exchange. On the floor, he is relentless with ground and pound to batter his opponents and look for a submission.
- Hiestand’s last three fights were Shane Sargent (win – submission), Josh Rettinghouse (win – unanimous decision) and Vincent Murdock (win – knockout). The last two fights were in The Ultimate Fighter.
Prediction: Brady Hiestand (+135) via decision
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Kevin Lee vs Daniel Rodriguez Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Kevin Lee | -150 |
| Daniel Rodriguez | +125 |
It was a rough 2020 for Kevin “The Motown Phenom” Lee (-150), who tore the ACL in both knees, the first in his loss to current lightweight champion Charles Oliveira and the second during his rehab. Looking to slap a second straight loss on Lee’s record is Daniel “D-Rod” Rodriguez (+125), who has won his last two outings.
- Lee fought for the interim lightweight title in 2017 and has struggled to put together strong performances since. He is now 18-6 with 11 finishes (three knockouts, eight submissions). Four of his defeats have been stoppages (one knockout, three submissions).
- The Motown Phenom spent much of his career at lightweight, moved up to welterweight in 2019 and then went back to lightweight several months later. He says he’s staying at welterweight moving forward.
- He has good sound boxing but can be goaded into a firefight even though that isn’t his strength. At his best, he is a grappler, averaging 3.21 takedowns per 15 minutes and landing multiple takedowns in five of his last six bouts.
- Lee’s last three fights were Rafael dos Anjos (loss – submission), Gregor Gillespie (win – knockout) and Charles Oliveira (loss – submission).
- Losses have been few and far between for Rodriguez, though he’s only on a two-fight winning streak heading into this contest. He is 15-2 overall with both losses coming by way of the judges’ scorecards. He has 12 stoppage wins as well (eight knockouts, four submissions).
- D-Rod landed four takedowns in his DWTNCS fight in 2019, but inside the promotion he has landed just one over six bouts. Moreover, he prefers to keep the fight standing as the southpaw averages 8.07 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 5.71.
- He has a great jab and he mixes up his strikes very well. One issue that hasn’t bitten him in the rear end but is worrisome is his tendency to back up with his chin in the air. At times, he will load up too much on his left; he works much better when he is throwing plenty of volume.
- Rodriguez’s last three fights were Nicolas Dalby (loss – unanimous decision), Mike Perry (win – unanimous decision) and Preston Parsons (win – knockout).
Prediction: Kevin Lee (-150) via decision
Andre Petroski vs Micheal Gillmore Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Andre Petroski | -550 |
| Micheal Gillmore | +380 |
These fighters appeared in this season of The Ultimate Fighter but failed to make the final. Andre Petroski (-550) was Brian Ortega’s first middleweight pick and lost in the semifinal, while Micheal “The Gentleman” Gillmore (+380) was an injury replacement and lost in the quarterfinals.
- Petroski backed his way into The Ultimate Fighter, taking his first career loss in his last pro fight. He stands at 5-1 as a pro with one knockout loss and all five wins by stoppage (three knockouts, two submissions).
- Andre had a solid amateur wrestling career in high school and into college and of course relies upon that skill set inside the Octagon. He doesn’t put himself in too much danger on the feet, maintaining distance until he finds an Sportsbook to explode.
- To close the distance, Petroski often throws a big overhand strike and continues to move his feet and get into a grappling exchange. He’s very strong when he gets hold of his foe and on the floor he has a good squeeze for submissions or strong ground and pound.
- Petroski’s last three fights were Aaron Jeffery (loss – knockout), Aaron Phillips (win – submission) and Bryan Battle (loss – submission). The last two fights were in The Ultimate Fighter.
- Gillmore has had an inconsistent run through his career but he has won three straight now as a pro. He is 6-3 with three submission losses and three knockout wins.
- Gillmore had auditioned for The Ultimate Fighter but didn’t make the cut, though he remained in Vegas in the event of an injury. As luck would have it, he got his wish, but he was stopped in his short-notice bout. UFC president Dana White will always reward a fighter for taking a fight on short notice and here it is.
- The Gentleman is a striker with decent kicks. We didn’t get to see much in his TUF appearance as he threw a lazy leg kick, got taken down, his back was taken and then he was submitted.
- Gillmore’s last three fights were Ken Hunt (win – knockout), Perry Stargel (win – unanimous decision) and Gilbert Urbina (loss – submission). The last fight was in The Ultimate Fighter.
Prediction: Andre Petroski (-550) via submission
Makhmud Muradov vs Gerald Meerschaert Odds & Prediction
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Makhmud Muradov | -575 |
| Gerald Meerschaert | +390 |
Looking to remain undefeated in the Octagon by winning a fourth fight in a row in the UFC is Makhmud “Mach” Muradov (-575), who has a 14-fight winning streak dating back to 2017. Meanwhile, Gerald “GM3” Meerschaert (+390) snapped his two-fight losing skid with a submission win earlier this year.
- Muradov had a rough start to his career but has been lights-out ever since. He now has a 25-6 record with 17 knockout wins while three of his losses have been by submission.
- Mach was the first MMA fighter under The Money Team promotion that is Floyd Mayweather’s team. Understandably, he has outstanding striking, averaging 5.32 significant strikes per minute while absorbing 2.92.
- To go along with his exceptional striking is his 100 percent takedown defense. He is always moving, which allows him to be elusive but also to set up heavy strikes. Mach isn’t solely a boxer as he has good kicks as well, especially to the legs of his opponents.
- Muradov’s last three fights were Alessio Di Chirico (win – unanimous decision), Trevor Smith (win – knockout) and Andrew Sanchez (win – knockout).
- Meerschaert has had an inconsistent run recently, going 5-5 over his last 10 fights. As a whole, his record is 32-14 and he has 30 stoppage wins, 24 of which were submissions. He also has been finished 11 times, including eight submissions.
- Evident in the fact 32 of his 46 fights have ended in submission, GM3 prefers the fight to be on the floor. As such, he averages 2.28 takedowns per 15 minutes.
- On the feet, he lumbers forward and will throw kicks but will leave them long as he’s OK with getting taken down. That said, with most of his strikes, his head stays on the centerline, which becomes an inviting target.
- Meerschaert’s last three fights were Ian Heinisch (loss – knockout), Khamzat Chimaev (loss – knockout) and Bartosz Fabinski (win – submission).
Prediction: Makhmud Muradov (-575) via knockout
UFC Fight Night: Barboza vs Chikadze Best Bets
| Fighter | Odds |
|---|---|
| Giga Chikadze | -105 |
| Bryan Battle | -165 |
| Brady Hiestand | +135 |
| Kevin Lee | -150 |
| Andre Petroski | -550 |
| Makhmud Muradov | -575 |
