Giga Chikadze fights for the second time this year at UFC Vegas 112, a feat he hasn’t achieved since 2021. He’ll also mark one of the last fights in the ESPN era of the UFC, something he takes pride in.
“That’s not a surprise to me because I started with ESPN, and I’ll finish their era well,” he said during this week’s media day. “I think they wanted me to be here in that spot, and here we are, ‘Giga Show’ is coming back again.”
Chikadze faces Argentina’s Kevin Vallejos, an unranked fighter but a dangerous up-and-coming prospect. With Chikadze looking for a ranked opponent, the matchup provides a get-right spot for the #15 featherweight after two losses.
“I don’t look much at the ranking spots right now. I know I’m a championship-level fighter, and I have to do some stuff to become a champion,” Chikadze continued,
“He’s an upcoming fighter; I don’t think he’s ready for the level where I’m at. But I guess Saturday we’re gonna see it, and I’m gonna send him back to Kindergarten to come back later and better. He’s young, he’s got a long career in the future, but right now all my experience puts me in this position, and we’ve got a plan for next year to do the big thing.”
Despite wanting to push Vallejos away from the rankings, he accepted the fight out of respect for Vallejos’s confidence.
“I love the confidence, that’s why I gave him the chance. To see what he’s doing and if he can do it.”
Vallejos has been adamant about closing the distance and forcing his ranked opponent to box with him, something Chikadze doesn’t see happening.
“You mentioned that he’s more than ready and happy to trade; we’ll see about that. That’s what everybody says.”
“That’s not going to be a surprise if he picks up more of a grappling game, but I’m not leaving any chance, and I’m finishing the fight in the first round.”
With his health being the priority over recent years, coming into a fight healthy has given the Georgian a chance to return to form.
“I’m sharp, I’m faster, I made weight easier this time. My reactions are great. This camp has been really good.
“I just have to be the Giga. I just have to bring my 100%, I have to feel my best. You guys know my skills already; I can deal with anybody.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Giga Chikadze above. He fights in the Co-main event of UFC Vegas 112 against Kevin Vallejos on Saturday night.
