In a featherweight bout in the main event, Edson Barboza faces Giga Chikadze Saturday at UFC on ESPN 30 – also known as UFC Vegas 35 – at the UFC’s APEX Facility. Below, we analyze the UFC on ESPN 30 Barboza vs. Chikadze odds and lines, with MMA picks and predictions.
The prelims will be televised on ESPN2/ESPN+ at 7 p.m. ET, with the main card on ESPN/ESPN+ at 10 p.m. ET.
Barboza put a three-bout losing skid in the rear-view mirror after posting a unanimous-decision win over Makwan Amirkhani two fights back and a third-round KO/TKO against Shane Burgos last time out at UFC 262.
Barboza’s previous three fights had gone the distance. He is 3-5 across his last eight outings, although losses against Khabib Nurmagomedov, Justin Gaethje, Paul Felder and Dan Ige are nothing to be ashamed about.
Chikadze makes the walk to the octagon looking for his seventh victory in as many tries since arriving at the UFC. He is coming off a pair of first-round KO/TKO wins over Jamey Simmons and most recently Cub Swanson in May. However, four of his six fights at the UFC level have gone the distance.
UFC on ESPN 30 Barboza vs. Chikadze: Odds and lines
Odds via Tipico Sportsbook; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated at 8:42 a.m. ET.
- Fight result (2-way line): Barboza -130 (bet $130 to win $100) | Chikadze +102 (bet $100 to win $102)
- Total Rounds: 4.5 Rounds (Over +105 | Under -145)
- Will the fight go the distance: (Yes: +110 | No: -150)
Play our new free daily Pick’em Challenge and win! Play now!
UFC on ESPN 30 Barboza vs. Chikadze: Odds, lines, predictions and picks
Records: Barboza 22-9-0 | Chikadze 13-2-0
Fight result (2-way line or money line)
CHIKADZE (+102) is worth the play as a slight underdog in this bout which should put him on the map of even the most casual fan. A win over Barboza would be a nice feather in his cap.
However, don’t expect this win to be easy for the Georgia native who just celebrated his 33rd birthday Wednesday. I also like CHIKADZE ON POINTS (+350) for an added value.
Over/Under (O/U)
Playing YES (+110): WILL THE FIGHT GO THE DISTANCE? is worth a look if you play Chikadze to win on points. OVER 4.5 ROUNDS (+105) is also worth a look if you believe there could be a late finish in the fifth round.
Visit MMA Junkie for more fight news and analysis.
Watch this matchup with ESPN+ by signing up here.
For more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com. Please gamble responsibly.
Follow Joe Williams on Twitter. Follow SportsbookWire on Twitter and us on Facebook.
Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage. This information is for entertainment purposes only. We make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any content.
[lawrence-newsletter]
[lawrence-auto-related count=3 category=2559]