UFC Vegas 25 Results and Takeaways: Jiri Prochazka and Georgian Fighters Have Big Nights

The UFC light heavyweight division has a new budding star in Prochazka, who’s now submitted back-to-back highlight finishes over former title challengers. UFC Vegas 25 also showcased victories from Merab Dvalishivili and Giga Chikadze, two Georgian fighters who are riding impressive win streaks.

UFC Vegas 25 Takeaways

Prochazka Delivers KO of the Year Candidate

“Denisa” displayed a lot of skill, determination, and of course power in his UFC debut versus Volkan Oezdemir last July. However, most viewers picked up on the fact that he received some significant damage in spite of finding the knockout. Heading into UFC Vegas 25, speculation remained regarding whether or not Prochazka could hang with the very best that the UFC has to offer.

Well, the former RIZIN light heavyweight champ left no doubt in people’s minds following his show-stealing performance against Reyes. The 28-year-old showed improved defense to go along with his hardened chin, while also packing a couple of flamethrowers in his hands. His opponents wear the damage that he inflicts almost immediately. Moreover, Prochazka is a finish hunter of the highest level.

Jiri Prochazka completed just the third spinning elbow knockout in the illustrious history of the UFC. He will either face the winner of Jan Blahowicz/Glover Teixeira or Aleksandar Rakic next. Meanwhile, Reyes goes back to the drawing board after the UFC Vegas 25 results. Rematching Oezdemir makes sense after their ever-so-close meeting in 2019.

Georgia Is Taking Over

Dvalishvili initiated the event’s main card with a clear-cut decision victory over Cody Stamann. Then, fellow Georgian Chikadze took just over a minute to dispose of the veteran Cub Swanson. The small country is making gigantic waves in the UFC with athletes like Ilia Topuria, Liana Jojua, Roman Dolidze, and Guram Kutateladze carrying the torch as well.

“The Machine” has won six straight bouts and is now on the prowl for a former champ in his next outing. Jose Aldo, Frankie Edgar, and Dominick Cruz would each fit that bill. Regardless of if his wish is granted or not, a top-10 foe is certainly next up for the 30-year-old.

What scored Chikadze his second highlight finish in a row was what’s now known as a “Giga-Kick”. The 14^th ranked featherweight is one of the most promising prospects in the entire sport, and he took full advantage of his biggest opportunity to date. The 32-year-old is proving to be one of the most dangerous strikers in the stacked featherweight division.

UFC Vegas 25 Results

• Jiri Prochazka def. Dominick Reyes via KO- Rd. 2
• Giga Chikadze def. Cub Swanson via TKO- Rd. 1
• Ion Cutelaba vs Dustin Jacoby via Split Draw (29-28, 28-29, 28-28)
• Sean Strickland def. Krzysztof Jotko via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Merab Dvalishvili def. Cody Stamann via UD (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
• Luana Pinheiro def. Randa Markos via DQ (Illegal Upkick)- Rd. 1
• TJ Brown def. Kai Kamaka via SD (29-28, 29-28, 27-30)
• Luana Carolina def. Poliana Botelho via SD (29-28, 29-28, 28-29)
• Loma Lookboonmee def. Sam Hughes via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Andreas Michailidis def. KB Bhullar via UD (30-27, 30-27, 29-28)
• Felipe Corales def. Luke Sanders via UD (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)

Bonuses: Fight of the Night- Jiri Prochazka vs Dominick Reyes & Performance of the Night- Jiri Prochazka and Giga Chikadze

Following the UFC Vegas 25 results, what are your biggest takeaways? Will Prochazka become LHW champ by year’s end? Which Georgian fighter has the best chance to attain UFC gold? Of all the UFC Vegas 25 results, which were you most surprised by? Leave all your thoughts and opinions in the comment section!

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