The UFC is finalizing a featherweight scrap between Edson Barboza and Giga Chikadze.
With Chikadze seemingly seeking a high-profile bout for months, and Barboza coming off a pair of wins at 145lbs, the pairing has been penciled in to top the promotion’s August 28 Fight Night card. ESPN was first to report news of the booking.
After losing a controversial split decision against Dan Ige in his featherweight debut last year, Brarboza (22-9) has picked up victories over Makwan Amirkhani and Shane Burgos. The Burgos win saw the Brazilian land the knockout blow in the third round, in what turned out to be the Fight of the Night at UFC 262 in May.
Chikadze (13-2) is a perfect 6-0 since joining the UFC in 2019. Part of a wave of talented Georgian fighters hitting new highs in MMA, Chikadze is coming off a first-round TKO of Cub Swanson on May 1. The 32-year old former kickboxer has earned a Performance of the Night bonus in both of his last two fights.
The UFC’s August 28 date does not have a location, venue, or broadcast plan officially announced. However, the event is expected to take place in Las Vegas. The fight card currently breaks down as follows:
Edson Barboza vs. Giga Chikadze
Gerald Meerschaert vs. Makhmud Muradov
Sara McMann vs. Ketlen Vieira
Joselyne Edwards vs. Zarah Fairn
Kevin Croom vs. Marcelo Rojo
Mario Bautista vs. Guido Cannetti
Jamall Emmers vs. Pat Sabatini
Dustin Jacoby vs. Darren Stewart
J.J. Aldrich vs. Tracy Cortez
Sean Brady vs. Kevin Lee
Mario Bautista vs. Guido Cannetti
Alessio Di Chirico vs. Aliaskhab Khizriev
