There is a strong feeling that Chikadze is on the slide after years of alternating poor form and flashes of his old self, with people openly wondering if his career is winding down.

The recurring argument is that Brito's mix of pressure, wrestling and submissions is the exact kind of stylistic problem that has troubled Chikadze in recent years.

Plenty of commentary points to Chikadze's age and accumulated damage as the reason his reflexes and durability look less reliable than in his prime.

Even those tipping Brito admit Chikadze still carries genuine knockout power and could turn the fight with a single well timed counter.