UFC Kansas City: Giga Chikadze vs. David Onama: Live round-by-round updates
Giga Chikadze returns to the cage against David Onama, aiming to regain lost ground after a rocky stretch with two losses in the last five outings.
After a blistering seven-fight win streak to start his UFC run, the Georgian striker has managed just one win in three years, finding success against Alex Caceres but falling short against Calvin Kattar and Arnold Allen.
Onama, meanwhile, steps into familiar territory, having honed his early skills in Kansas City before building a strong 5-1 featherweight record inside the UFC. Now riding a three-fight win streak, the Ugandan-born is eyeing a breakthrough moment that could catapult him into the top 15.
The UFC Kansas City preliminary card begins at 6 p.m. ET on ESPN+, with the main card airing live at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and ESPN+.
Stay tuned to Sportskeeda MMA for the live coverage and play-by-play updates of the fight:
Round 1
Chikadzke starts the fight, circling around Onama. He lands a straight right, and Onama attacks with lead leg kicks. Chikadze clearly has the speed advantage in striking. Chikadze goes up top with the head kick, and Onama smotheres the attack. Onama tries to pressure forward. He lands a good left hand that catches Chikadze's attention. Chikadze fires back with kicks to the body. He goes low with a stinging calf kick, and Onama stuns Chikadze with a right hook. He's pressuring Chikadze against the cage. Chikadze fires back immediately with a three-punch combination. A lot of urgency from Onama's corner as they encourage their fighter to pressure forward. Chiakdze stings Onama with a right hand and pressures for the finish. But Onama forces the clinch and takes his rival down.
Our Score: 10-9 Onama
Round 2
Onama opens the attack with straight kicks to the knee and straight left hands. Chikadze follows suit with a right hand and a flying knee attempt. Onama is finding success with the push kick to the lead leg. Onama enters the range with an uppercut and a follow-up right hand. He's barely missing with the right hook that seems like his go-to weapon. He ducks under one of Chikadze's attacks to score a takedown. He takes side control and works his way to secure a finish. Onama keeps Chikadze preoccupied with a few elbow strikes. He almost locks in a submission, but Chikadze defends successfully.
Our Score: 10-9 Onama (20-18 overall)
Round 3
Chikadze's cornerman, Beneil Dariush, urges him to take control of the center of the octagon. Chikadze lands a short right hook and eats a two-punch combination in return. Onama is not allowing Chikadze any space to capture the center of the octagon. However, Chikadze is the one getting the better of the striking exchanges. A strong clash of heads as Onama shoots for the takedown. Chikadze tries to get back up, but Onama secures the position again.
Our Score: 10-9 Onama (30-27 overall)
Official Result
David Onama defeats Giga Chikadze via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, and 29-28)