Kevin Vallejos is stepping into the biggest moment of his career at UFC Vegas 112, drawing perennial contender and elite striker Giga Chikadze in a matchup that could redefine his place in the featherweight division.
For the rising Argentine prospect, it’s a chance to prove he belongs among the division’s elite and to silence any lingering doubts as he takes on one of the most dangerous kickboxers on the UFC roster.
“On a professional level very happy to have the opportunity because I do feel that this will get me closer to being a title contender,” Vallejos told reporters through a translator on Wednesday.
“One thing at a time, that’s further down the road, but it gets me closer to that objective of being able to look for the title in the future.”
Vallejos (16-1) made it clear he understands exactly what’s at stake when he steps in against veteran contender Chikadze. Despite the spotlight, the rising featherweight spoke with humility and appreciation about the opportunity in front of him.
“This is a real test for me to try my skills out there. On a personal level I’m very happy with the opportunity to fight a guy that’s been up there for quite some time. I’m a nobody in the company compared to him,” he said.
“He’s taking the opportunity to fight me with 5-6 fights in a career here, and he’s giving me that. It makes me really happy to have that fight on a personal level.”
When breaking down the matchup, Vallejos didn’t shy away from the tactical chess match that awaits him against one of the division’s most dangerous kickboxers. He framed the fight as a stylistic test, one that will reward whoever can take control early.
“I think this is going to be a clash of styles. With a guy that kicks, you go out there and you box. With a guy that box, you go out there and you kick him. I do believe that the one that can impose his style of fighting will come out on top,” he said.
“My thing is just shorten that distance, get in there, and knock him out, and I think it’s going to be very exciting on Saturday.”
Kevin Vallejos faces Giga Chikadze at UFC Vegas 112 on Saturday night.
