UFC Singapore: Chikadze vs Caceres Picks ("Ninja" Returns in Style)
The MMA world is buzzing as UFC Singapore is rapidly approaching. The exciting event — live from Singapore Indoor Stadium this Saturday — has an absolutely stacked main card, featuring a featherweight fight between the returning Giga Chikadze and Alex Caceres.
Both fighters need a victory if they hope to advance up the featherweight rankings. Chikadze is currently the No. 9-ranked fighter in the division while Caceres is right on the bubble at No. 15. A loss for either man this weekend would be detrimental to any future title opportunities.
Below is everything you need to know heading into UFC Singapore’s Chikadze vs. Caceres matchup, including my betting picks for the fight and the latest odds, courtesy of BetOnline.
Chikadze vs Caceres Tale of the Tape
Giga Chikadze — Alex Caceres
- Record: 14-3 — 21-13 (1NC)
- Height: 6’ — 5’10”
- Reach: 74” — 73”
- Weight: 145 lbs — 145 lbs
- Age: 34 — 35
- Fighting Stance: Orthodox — Southpaw
- Knockouts: 9 — 4
Chikadze vs Caceres Odds (as of Wednesday, August 23 at 8:33 a.m. via BetOnline)
Moneyline
- Giga Chikadze (-250)
- Alex Caceres (+210)
Will the Fight Go the Distance?
Round Total
- Over 2.5 Rounds (-260)
- Under 2.5 Rounds (+200)
Chikadze vs Caceres Fight Preview
It’s clear who BetOnline sees as the probable victor in this matchup. Chikadze’s -250 moneyline odds to win carry an implied win probability of 71.4%.
Nevertheless, it’s still important to remember that Chikadze hasn’t stepped foot in the cage since January 2022. He’s been sidelined with injuries that required surgery, making it interesting to see if he’s lost a step in the 19 months since he previously fought.
The last time we saw the 34-year-old was when he lost to Calvin Kattar (via unanimous decision) in what was deemed the ‘fight of the night’ at UFC Vegas 46. Before that loss, Chikadze had won nine fights in a row with five of those victories coming by either KO/TKO or submission.
Even though the odds aren’t in his favor, it isn’t like Caceres is a slouch in the octagon. “Bruce Leroy” has been producing results over the last four years, going 7-1 across eight fights during that span.
After a loss to Sodiq Yusuff ended his five-fight winning streak, Caceres proved his resilience by rebounding with back-to-back victories. He landed a first-round knockout victory over Julian Erosa at UFC Vegas 66 before defeating Daniel Pineda (via UD) back in June.
While both fighters’ striking numbers are similar, Caceres has the advantage in the grappling department. He averages 0.59 takedowns per 15 minutes with 68% accuracy, whereas Chikadze averages 0.26 with 33% accuracy.
On the flip side, Chikadze is the better finisher, boasting a 71.4% finish rate in his victories. For comparison, only 52.4% of Caceres’ wins came by some form of finish.
UFC Singapore: Chikadze vs Caceres Betting Trends and Markets
Like most major sportsbooks, BetOnline has a wide variety of Chikadze vs. Caceres markets that not only give you more options to win but also help give a better idea as to how the UFC Singapore fight could unfold.
For instance, the sportsbook favors the fight going the distance at -250 odds. While he’s known for his finishes, five of Chikadze’s last eight fights went the distance. On top of that, Caceres has also reached the round limit five times in his previous eight outings.
With that in mind, it isn’t surprising to see that the likeliest method of victory is Chikadze’s winning by points (+100). Caceres hasn’t been finished in over four years and with the favorite having not fought in quite some time, it’s more likely that he’ll win by some form of decision.
As for Caceres, his top victory method is winning by points, too — albeit at +400 odds. He’s 4-1 in his last five fights that went the distance while also being 10-5 all-time in that scenario.
If you’re feeling risky and think there will be a finish, Chikadze is favored to win via first-round knockout (+550). Eight of his nine career KO/TKO victories occurred in the opening frame with a pair of those instances happening in the UFC.
Although Caceres has only been knocked out once in his career, that sole knockout loss also happened in Round 1.
UFC Singapore: Chikadze vs Caceres Prediction & Picks
Lengthy layoffs aren’t easy to battle back from, but I have faith in Chikadze winning at UFC Singapore. He’s terrific when he’s healthy and he’s had 19 months to return to form. I see him using Saturday to make a statement against Caceres, who hasn’t exactly beaten anyone on the Georgian combatant’s level.
Although he’s favored to win by points, I’m taking a Chikadze KO/TKO victory (+275). It’s important to remember that he had actually won three straight fights via knockout before his loss to Kattar.
Caceres is a good fighter, but I see Chikadze catching him off guard by how good he’ll look. Don’t be surprised if this fight ends earlier than oddsmakers expect.
UFC Singapore FAQ
When is UFC Singapore?
UFC Singapore will take place on Saturday, August 26, 2023.
Where is UFC Singapore?
UFC Singapore will take place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium in Kallang, Singapore.
What time does UFC Singapore start?
- UFC Singapore Preliminary Card Start Time: 8 a.m. ET
- Start Time of UFC Singapore’s Main Card: 5 a.m. ET
How can I watch UFC Singapore?
The UFC Singapore main and preliminary cards can both be viewed on ESPN+ and the UFC Fight Pass.
How can I bet on UFC Singapore?
All of the top online sports betting sites will have UFC Singapore odds, but here are some of the sites we recommend most for MMA betting enthusiasts.
