Giga Chikadze and Joanderson Brito, UFC 331 ceremonial weigh-in Credit: Gabriel Gonzalez/Cageside Press
It was just a few years ago that feared Georgian featherweight striker Giga Chikadze was headlining back-to-back UFC cards, but on Saturday at UFC 331 in Los Angeles, he opened the festivities against Joanderson Brito.
No doubt due to Chikadze having lost three straight, and four of his last five. Brito, in comparison, had won his last two fights.
The opening round start with each fighter gauging distance at range, with Chikadze finding a home for some of his kicks early. Chikadze would then slip and end up on his back with Brito in top position. Brito started throwing damaging ground and pound to the body first then head of Giga. Opening up with more powerful shots Brito rocked Giga from full guard and landed multiple elbows that separated Chikadze from consciousness.
In celebration, Brito stripped off his shorts, and threw both them and his mouth piece into the crowd.
“A lot of people complain about fighter pay and everything else,” Brito said following the win, speaking to Joe Rogan with his shorts, or a another pair, back on. “God damn, this is the best organization,” he added, espousing his love for everyone involved, then promising to learn English in order to appear on Rogan’s podcast.
This marks the third win in a row for Brito, who made a statement with this performance. Brito made sure to give respect to Chikadze in his post fight interview, while also calling for a performance bonus.
Official Result: Joanderson Brito def. Giga Chikadze by KO (hammer fists), Round 1, 1:57