Kyle Anthony

THE PLAY: Giga Chikadze +205

At this sizeable plus money price tag, Giga is the absolute value side. 

Do believe money has come in on Allen early in week due to Giga's age, 35 years old and the beating he received against Calvin Kattar. Not a good look but since has bounded back with a win. One path to victory for Allen Saturday night could be wrestling, attempting to takedown the high level kickboxer… although that's not really his game. Over his last 4 bouts Allen has attempted zero takedowns. Over his last 6 fights he's only had 2 successful takedowns which were both against Sodiq Yusuff. Unlikely Allen turns into Khabib diving at legs for 15 minutes successfully. With that said, this fight could play out on the feet, which in turn makes this fight closer than line indicates. Giga is a high level striker with snapping kicks and an arsenal of weapons mixing up targets on his opponent. Should be the far more technical striker while Allen blitzing forward with big power hooks. Yes, he possesses power but at times very low volume output seeking the one big shot over disguising combinations setting up the power strikes. Giga's solid distance management and range attacks backed by a 4 inch reach advantage and 4 inch height advantage will cause problems for Allen all fight. Add in their stances are opposite, meaning Giga is orthodox and Allen is south paw, allowing for Chikadze's infamous “Giga Kick” which is basically power kicks to the body. That avenue will be available to him and interesting to see how it's worked in. Let's also not act like Allen's been on this incredible run dominating high level talent. Last 3 wins are somewhat suspect. Even in a losing effort, Sodiq Yusuff out landed Allen 47-21 on strikes over 3 rounds. What edged it out for Arnold was 2 knockdowns earning him 2 rounds in a close decision win. Also knocked out a depleted Dan Hooker who moved down to 145 pounds for the fight, had a terrible weight cut and was knocked out in round 1. He also earned a victory over Calvin Kattar in which Calvin suffered an injury in round 2 giving Allen the win. Believe Chikadze can work at distance pushing a higher volume while Allen seeks the big moments falling behind on the scorecards. At +205 this like provides plenty of value.