Giga Chikadze is fighting for the second time this year at UFC Vegas 112, a feat he hasn’t achieved since 2021. He will also mark one of the final fights of the ESPN era of the UFC, something he is proud of.
“That’s no surprise to me because I started at ESPN and I will end their era on a high note,” he said during this week’s media day. “I think they wanted me to be here in that place, and here we are, ‘Giga Show’ coming back again.”
Chikadze takes on Argentina’s Kevin Vallejos, an unranked fighter but a dangerous up-and-comer. With Chikadze looking for a top-ranked opponent, the matchup provides a good spot for the #15 featherweight after two losses.
“I don’t look much at the rankings at the moment. I know I am a championship level fighter, and I have to do some things to become a champion,” Chikadze continued,
“He’s an up and coming fighter; I don’t think he’s ready for the level I’m at right now. But I think we’ll see on Saturday, and I’m going to send him back to kindergarten to come back later and better. He’s young, he has a long career in the future, but right now all my experience puts me in this position, and we have a plan for next year to do the big thing.”
Despite wanting to push Vallejos out of the rankings, he accepted the fight out of respect for Vallejos’ confidence.
“I like the confidence, that’s why I gave him the chance. To see what he does and if he can do it.”
Vallejos is adamant about closing the distance and forcing his opponent to box with him, something Chikadze doesn’t see happening.
“You said he’s more than willing to act; we’ll see about that. Everyone says that.”
“That won’t be a surprise if he picks up more of a wrestling game, but I’m not missing any opportunities and I’m finishing the fight in the first round.”
With his health being the priority in recent years, putting up a healthy fight has given the Georgian the chance to get back into shape.
“I’m sharp, I’m faster, I made the weight easier this time. My reactions are great. This camp was really good.
“I just have to be the Giga. I just have to be 100%, I have to feel my best. You already know my skills; I can hang with anyone.”
Watch the entire media day scrum with Giga Chikadze above. He fights Kevin Vallejos in the co-main event of UFC Vegas 112 on Saturday night.
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