Chikadze vs Brito Prediction, Odds & How to Watch UFC 331 Opener

• Giga Chikadze battles Joanderson Brito on the UFC 331 prelims.
• Brito enters the Octagon as a massive -450 betting favorite.
• See my expert Chikadze vs Brito prediction, odds and how to watch below.

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A compelling featherweight matchup takes place at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on Saturday, Sept 19. This classic striker versus grappler matchup lands on the preliminary card getting underway at 7 p.m. ET. The stylistic clash creates a highly profitable opportunity for bettors.

Joanderson Brito enters riding a wave of highlight-reel finishes and carrying a daunting price tag. However, the experienced Giga Chikadze represents a massive step up in technical kickboxing capability. The Brazilian has simply not faced this caliber of distance management before.

The betting market is heavily disrespecting an established veteran here. Let’s dive into my expert Chikadze vs Brito prediction, odds and how to watch the UFC 331 prelims.

Chikadze vs Brito Prediction

• Chikadze vs Brito Pick: Giga Chikadze Moneyline (+340 at BetMGM)

My read on this fight comes down to spatial awareness and striking technique. Brito relies on a heavy grappling approach, consistently pursuing takedowns. However, he is not an effective wrestler in open space. All five of Brito’s UC fights with multiple takedowns came against opponents willing to engage in that type of fight with him.

Instead of traditional wrestling, the Brazilian desperately tries to force clinches against the fence to secure his takedowns. Chikadze possesses elite footwork and simply will not willingly back himself into the cage. The Georgian striker will force Brito to earn every single grappling exchange.

Chikadze is currently sliding, but remains a dangerous technical threat early in fights. His recent losses stem from an inability to adjust late against elite opposition. All three of Chikadze’s recent losses came against certified top-15 fighters, and he won the first round in each of them. Brito is a wild brawler who lacks that elite tactical adjustment capability.

Brito’s massive grappling and age advantage still make him the rightful favorite, but Chikadze has a clear path to victory if he can dictate the range and keep the fight upright. There is massive value on the technical striker to win at least two rounds against a predictable grappler.

Chikadze vs Brito Tale of the Tape

The statistical profiles highlight a massive difference in offensive philosophy. Chikadze operates strictly as a high-volume distance striker who actively avoids ground engagements. He relies entirely on elite kickboxing combinations to generate damage.

Conversely, Brito boasts a multi-faceted attack that heavily incorporates wrestling and smothering top pressure. The Brazilian needs to close the distance to effectively utilize his grappling advantage. This clash of styles makes the cage geography critical for both fighters.

Chikadze vs Brito Odds

The current betting market is overwhelmingly backing the surging Brazilian prospect. The Chikadze vs Brito odds have Joanderson Brito as a steep favorite, forcing bettors to lay heavy juice for his moneyline.

Odds as of Sept 18 at BetMGM. Check out the best UFC betting apps for UFC 331 on Saturday.

At +340, the sportsbook gives Chikadze roughly a 22.7 percent implied win probability. This number feels highly disrespectful to an established featherweight veteran.

The fight going the distance sits at +175 with the no side at -250, so the market expects a finish. I am capitalizing on this mispriced probability and taking the massive underdog value.

How to Watch Chikadze vs Brito at UFC 331

UFC 331 streams live on Paramount+ in the United States, with the full card on the platform and no separate pay-per-view charge. Chikadze vs Brito sits on the preliminary card, so you will want to be tuned in early.

UFC 331 schedule on Paramount+:

Bet on UFC 331 with a BetMGM promo code.