VIDEO: Brutal Kick to the Liver Stops Fight in the First Round at UFC Fight Night

In the co-main event at UFC Vegas 25, Giga Chikadze took on a veteran in Cub Swanson. The fight was an excellent litmus test for ‘Ninja’ against a fighter who has been among the elites in the featherweight division for a long time now. 

Going into the fight, Chikadze was ranked 14th in the division. After an impressive first-round finish over Swanson, he will surely find himself either in the top 10 or just outside it when the revised rankings are released on Tuesday. 

After his win tonight, in the post-fight interview Chikadze stated that he would like to face former champion Max Holloway next. However, if that fight does not materialize ‘Ninja’ would like to share the octagon with Calvin Kattar for his next fight. 

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Giga Chikadze makes it two consecutive first-round finishes at UFC Vegas 25

Going into the fight, Giga firmly believed he was the better striker. He also stated that he would finish Swanson in the very first round of the fight and he did just that tonight. The fight started off well for both men as they landed some good shots early on. 

GIGA KICK ALERT @giga_chikadze sent Cub Swanson to the canvas #UFCVegas25 pic.twitter.com/TzNPMW9TFY

— ESPN MMA (@espnmma) May 2, 2021

However, the end came when Chikadze landed an inch-perfect kick to the liver. As soon as the kick landed Swanson went down in agony and Chikadze began to walk away. Realizing that the referee had not stopped the fight, the Georgian landed a few shots while Swanson was on the ground as a formality. The referee stepped in and stopped the fight instantaneously. 

With this win, Chikadze has extended his win streak to 6-0 in the UFC and 8-0 overall. He has looked extremely impressive in his last two fights and is slowly but surely cementing himself as one of the best strikers in the featherweight division.

Damn! Liver kick!! Those never feel good! Georgia on fire tonight! #UFCVegas25

— Aljamain Sterling (@funkmasterMMA) May 2, 2021

Aljamain Sterling empathized with Cub Swanson stating liver kicks never felt good

Damn!! The Liver don’t lie! #UFCVegas25

— Alan Jouban (@AlanJouban) May 2, 2021

Alan Jouban had a humorous take on the situation

Ouch!! #gigakick

— Dan “50k” Ige (@Dynamitedan808) May 2, 2021

Dan Ige just needed one word to describe his feelings watching that liver kick.

What did you make of Giga Chikadze’s performance tonight? who do you want to see him fight next? let us know in the comments below!

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