Calvin Kattar (#5) vs. Giga Chikadze (#8) are two strikers utilizing different parts of their bodies. While Kattar is known for his punches, Chikadze is known for his kicks, this difference in style often paves the way for an interesting clash.
Kattar’s Strengths
- Good boxing
- Durability
- Good combinations (when thrown)
- Good movement
Katter’s Weaknesses
- Susceptible to body and leg kicks
Chikadze’s Strengths
- Great kicks
- Explosive striking
- Octagon awareness
- Good movement
- Good timing
Chikadze’s Weaknesses
- Slightly flat-footed
What does Katter need to do to win?
Kattar possesses very good boxing, but often time it is underutilized in his MMA fights. Katter does a great job of throwing combinations (when he does let his hands go), however, often time he only utilizes single or double shots, which can be detrimental when fighting against Chikadze, who possess a great sense of timing and setups. To win against Chikadze requires Katter to be defensively responsible and fight with offensive urgency at the same time. Chikadze most likely will kick a lot, Katter needs to block those kicks and throw boxing combinations right after – every time. This is a fight where Katter needs to bring his best boxing and pressure forward at all times. If Kattar does it right, his durability will help him endure Chikadze’s kicks and his punching combinations will inflict the most damages on Chikadze. For purely STYLISTIC reference – think of Adesanya vs. Gastelum – now imagine if Gastelum was a natural 185er.
What does Chikadze need to do to win?
While Chikadze does have solid punches, it’s his kicks that present the greatest threats to his opponents. He does a great job of moving and positioning himself where he is safe while still being dangerous to his opponents. To win against Kattar requires Chikadze to mostly kick Kattar’s legs and body for the first 3 rounds. This will slow Kattar’s movement and reduce his ability to throw solid combinations. Furthermore, staying in kicking range denies Kattar of his primary weapons while Chikadze fully utilizes his own. Again, for purely STYLISTIC reference – think of Adesanya vs. Vettori 2 – where the kicker controls the distance and ultimately the fight.
Prediction
Stylistically this is an interesting fight, both athletes have the perfect underlying styles to beat each other. While Kattar needs to throw a lot of combos from short-range, Chikadze needs to throw mostly single shots from long-range. Given that it’s much safer to maintain long-range while throwing single shots than maintaining short-range and throwing combos, I think Chikadze will take the W on this one.
