Giga Chikadze continued to make 2020 his special year with a highlight-reel knockout on Saturday at UFC on ESPN+ 40.
Chikadze (12-2 MMA, 5-0 UFC) remained undefeated inside the octagon and improved to 4-0 on the year when he stopped late-notice opponent Jamey Simmons (7-3 MMA, 0-1 UFC) with a knockout in the first round.
After fending off some takedown attempts from Simmons, the opportunity for Chikadze to strike arrives, and he unleashed a big head kick that instantly sent his opponent to the canvas. He swarmed with some follow-up shots, and referee Herb Dean stepped in at the 3:51 mark of Round 1.
Check out the replay of Chikadze’s finish below (via Twitter):
THE GIGA KICK 😱
🇬🇪 @Giga_Chikadze lands the precise head kick on his way to the finish!
[ #UFCVegas13 – LIVE on @ESPN & #ESPNPlus ] pic.twitter.com/r8l0e5X2BB
— UFC (@ufc) November 8, 2020
With the victory, Chikadze has won seven straight fights. The former GLORY kickboxing fighter has thrived this year, beating Simmons, Omar Morales, Irwin Rivera and Jamall Emmers. The latest win was particularly special, though, because it was his first finish under the UFC banner.
“I’ve been waiting for this for long, long time,” Chikadze said in his post-fight interview. “I think I deserve it. I’m just enjoying this moment. This year it’s been my fourth fight, I’m glad I made a KO today. I want at least one co-main, or maybe main event.”
